VIDEO: Update on search for missing pilot

By WVTM Archives

Published: January 12, 2009

CHILDERSBURG, Ala.—The search for a missing pilot is on.

The Associated Press on Monday reports that the only sign of Marcus Schrenker, 38, of Indiana, came in an e-mail to a neighbor calling the situation a misunderstanding.

U.S. Marshals spokesman Michael Richards in Birmingham told the AP that the agency is actively searching for Schrenker, although he declined to detail where agents are looking or how the search is being conducted.
   
Police said Schrenker was flying his single-engine plane from Indianapolis, when he apparently jumped out of it near the Childersburg area. The plane, set on autopilot, later crashed in a swamp in the Florida Panhandle. 

Investigators said the Indiana businessman, who’s facing legal and financial troubles, radioed for help Sunday night. Now, they believe he actually parachuted out over Alabama. 

Police, unaware of the crash, said Schrenker claimed he had been in a canoeing accident, and brought him to a hotel. By the time investigators realized who Schrenker was, he had fled into nearby woods. 
Click on the video player above for NBC13 HD News team coverage of this developing story. 

In the video clip, you’ll hear from the man who picked up Schrenker, not knowing who he was. You’ll also hear more on Schrenker’s background, including several lawsuits, and financial firms in which Schrenker was involved.