The Fishers Police Department shared an update Sunday afternoon in the investigation into the disappearance of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee.

The press conference, which was held at 5 p.m. Feb. 1, was called to provide new information on Buzbee, who was last seen around 10 p.m. on Jan. 5.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness began the press conference by saying, “It pains me today to let you know that after extensive investigation, we feel that Hailey is deceased.”

Following Fadness’ opening remarks, Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart took the podium to share more details on the investigation.

On Jan. 6, officers were called to the Buzbee’s home in the Enclave at Vermillion neighborhood, off 101st Street near Flat Fork Creek Park, after her parents reported that Buzbee had left their house overnight. Gebhart said his officers and detectives then “diligently began the process to locate her.”

During the investigation, police identified an unknown vehicle that had reportedly been in Buzbee’s neighborhood the night she went missing. Gebhart said “within days” of Buzbee going missing, Fishers detectives identified a suspect — 39-year-old Tyler Thomas of Ohio — as the person Buzbee had left with.

Fishers police say officers made contact with Thomas in Ohio. Thomas reportedly admitted to picking Buzbee up at her home, but he allegedly told officers that he had dropped her off on the side of the road in western Ohio.

Gebhart said officers later learned what Thomas had told them was untrue.

Following additional investigations by the Columbus Police Department and Hocking County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio, a search warrant was executed at Thomas’ home and on the vehicle he allegedly picked Buzbee up in.

The investigation further showed Buzbee was at Thomas’ house in Columbus, Ohio, and at a short-term rental property in Hocking County, Ohio. The Hocking County Sheriff’s Office then executed a search warrant at the short-term rental property and continued to use drones, K-9s and physical search techniques in an attempt to find Buzbee.

Remembering Hailey Buzbee

Gebhart said Thomas is in police custody in Ohio on charges associated with this case, but police say Thomas has not been charged with murder at this time. According to court documents, Thomas is facing charges of tampering with evidence and pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor. His initial court date is set for Monday, Feb. 2, according to Gebhart.

Court documents say detectives obtained a search warrant at Thomas’ home and seized his devices, where child sex abuse material containing images of Buzbee were located.

Following remarks by FBI Indianapolis Office Special Agent Tim O’Malley, Gebhart shared additional information on the case, saying that Buzbee and Thomas are believed to have met each other via online gaming.

Gebhart said investigators think Buzbee died “within a few days after she was picked up.” Police also say it is “unclear” as to when Buzbee’s body may be recovered.

No personal items from Buzbee have been recovered, according to police.

Beau Buzbee, Hailey’s father, posted a tribute on Facebook to his daughter after the press conference concluded.