Boyfriend of missing hiker is arrested, but not for her disappearance, Oregon cops say

Police say they have arrested the boyfriend of a missing woman in Oregon on charges unrelated to her disappearance.

Allyson Joy Watterson, 20, was last seen hiking on Dec. 22 with her boyfriend Benjamin Hunter Garland in North Plains, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Her family last heard from her on Dec. 20, the sheriff’s office said. They reported her missing on Dec. 23, according to Oregon Live.

Garland told investigators he and Watterson got separated during their hike, sheriff’s spokesman Brian van Kleef told Oregon Live.

“I am just devastated. I am panicked, that’s my child, my baby,” her mother Misty Watterson told KOIN 6 News. “She is out there scared and alone and waiting for someone to rescue her. She’s a good girl and I know she just wants to be home for Christmas.”

A neighbor found Garland asleep in his car, the news station reported. He and his dad then looked for Watterson and contacted the sheriff’s office.

Garland is reportedly cooperating with the investigation.

Garland was arrested on Dec. 23 for unrelated charges to his girlfriend’s disappearance, including theft, identity theft, fraudulent use of a credit card and unlawful entry into a vehicle, according to inmate records. He was booked into the Washington County Jail.

Authorities have asked that anyone with more information on Watterson contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency number.