25 February 2024 , 11:34
943
0
A severed finger found by unsuspecting shoppers at a Walmart parking lot is puzzling authorities.
Police were called to a Walmart store in Sidney, Ohio after an amputated human finger was reportedly seen near the grocery, just outside of the store, on Sunday, February 18. The digit was transported to the Montgomery County Coroner's Office for examination.
In a statement shared on the city's official Facebook page, Sidney police detailed the developments of the investigation, explaining that forensic analysis confirmed the finger's human origin, likely belonging to a white female.
However, despite efforts to trace its origins, medical providers were unable to link the appendage to any recent patients. Authorities took to social media and asked the public for information to try and identify the person the finger belonged to.
READ MORE: Young children born in autumn month are the least likely to get influenza, study finds
Man in 30s dies after being stabbed in park sparking police probe
'That's pretty crazy to think about - How do you leave without your finger' said Nate Robinson (WHIOTV7)A post by the Sidney Police Department read: "During the preliminary investigation phase, the department exhausted all possibilities within nearby hospitals and is working with other law enforcement agencies in conjunction with the Montgomery County Coroner's office.
"The Sidney Police Department is committed to examining all potential criminal and non-criminal scenarios. The Sidney Police Department approaches all investigations with a high level of seriousness.
"As such, a request for community assistance has been made in an effort to support the investigation." The police department is reportedly considering a DNA test in collaboration with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Briaunna Gregory said 'I'd never go to this Walmart again' (WHIOTV7)For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US
A man who said he shops at the Sidney Walmart regularly was surprised about the discovery and lack of information about it. Nate Robinson, who said he found out about the finger from his wife, told News Center 7: "My first reaction is, ‘How do you leave without your finger? I thought it was the strangest thing I ever heard."
He added: "That’s pretty crazy to think about. How do you not know whose finger is missing? There should be a body connected to that, right?"
Another shopper, Briaunna Gregory echoed the sentiment expressing her surprise: "I’d freak out (and) probably turn around and go home. (I’d) never come to this Walmart again."
Those with insights or leads are encouraged to contact the Sidney Police Department at 937-498-2351 or the Sidney-Shelby Crime Stoppers at 937-492-2351.