Police continue to search for two people missing from Mandan.

Heather Mares, 17, ran away from the Mandan home of her aunt and uncle, where she had been staying, Monday night or Tuesday morning. She left a note indicating she was leaving with a person she had met on the Internet and that they may be heading for Las Vegas.

James Helmenstein, 44, left his Mandan home late Sunday night and hasn't been seen since.

Mandan Police Sgt. Jay Gruebele said officers have learned that Mares was at work at a Mandan business Sunday night. While at work, a man and woman came in and talked to her for about an hour. None of her co-workers recognzied the pair.

Gruebele said the man and woman were dressed in gothic-style clothing and had dark hair. The woman carried a bright pink purse and was heavy set. The man wore glasses. They were estimated to be around 18 or 19 years old, he said.

Gruebele said officers also are trying to learn more about the person she indicated she was leaving with.

Mares has had a history of running away from her parents who live in Colorado. She has been living with an aunt and uncle in Mandan for about a month or two and reportedly had been doing well. She apparently left her home between 9 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Mares has red hair and is about 5 foot 4 and about 120 pounds.

Gruebele said ground searches have been conducted in attempts to locate Helmenstein, who left his home late Sunday night without his wallet, cell phone or vehicle and never returned.

Police received a report of someone matching Helmenstein's description hitchhiking in north Bismarck, Gruebele said. He said that information has been turned over to the Bismarck Police Department and the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department for assistance.

Chief Dennis Bullinger said his description also has been broadcast through police networks.

Helmenstein is on daily medication and doesn't have the medication with him. Police wouldn't release details about his medical condition or what type of medication he is taking. Police say his family is worried and Helmenstein has not been known to take off without telling someone. His friends do not know where he is, either.

Helmenstein works as a detailer at Val's Auto Beauty Center, 3904 Memorial Highway, but didn't show up for work Monday.

Helmenstein is 5 foot 9, 160 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes and has a goatee. He was last seen wearing gray hiking boots and two-piece overalls - a brown overall-type coat and pants.

Anyone with information about Mares or Helmenstein should contact the Mandan Police Department at 667-3455 or Bismarck Area Crime Stoppers at 224-TIPS (224-8477).

(Reach reporter Jenny Michael at 250-8225 or jenny.michael@;bismarcktribune.com.)