Internet questions Metro Nashville PD's search efforts after TikTokers find missing student Riley Strain's bank card

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Intense search efforts have been in progress for Riley Strain, a University of Missouri student, who disappeared on March 8.

However, after his bank card was apparently found near the embankment next to the Cumberland River by TikToker and citizen investigator Brandy Baenen and her friend, Anna Clendening, netizens started raising questions about the effort put in by the authorities. 

In an attempt to find answers regarding Strain's disappearance, Baenen has been going live on TikTok.

As per the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Strain, 22, was last seen on March 8 at country music artist Luke Bryan's bar, Luke's 32 Bridge Food + Drink on Broadway.

Internet questions police's effort in their search for Riley Strain

On Sunday, March 17, Metro Nashville Police took to X (formerly Twitter) to note that Strain's bank card was found near Riverfront Park, on the embankment between Gay Street and the Cumberland River.

The post read, "Riley Strain's bank card was discovered this afternoon on the embankment between Gay St. And the Cumberland River. The search for him continues."

Soon after, a netizen said, "Not a great look on your department that Tik Tokkers found this evidence. Where were y'all???"

Another remarked, "And… you didn’t find it. Local volunteers did. Thank goodness for them." Someone else stated, "By citizens because you’re useless"

Police explain why they failed to find Riley Strain's bank card

Amid the mounting backlash, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department explained that they failed to find Riley's belongings as they had prioritized locating him.

The authorities further noted that while a "refined search" would involve looking through his possessions, their current goal is to find Strain—alive or dead, as per Crime Online.

Strain's family requested that a search and rescue squad help them to possibly find him. His stepfather, Chris Whiteid, said, "We feel we need the extra resources as we try to get more organized for our family and bring more clues to light." 

He went on to say, "We are very grateful for everyone that has done everything so far. We ask that you work and help us as we become more organized. We don't want individuals out there alone without us knowing."

The stepfather concluded, "We appreciate more than you'll ever know about the outpouring we have received. Our goal is still to bring Riley home. We feel that is still a pliable goal," as per News Channel 5.

After Riley's parents reached out to the Cajun Navy, known to typically help disaster victims after hurricanes and other calamities, the group agreed to help search for the 22-year-old student. 

The latest update from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department notes, "Our helicopters continue to fly over the Cumberland River in the ongoing search for Riley Strain. MNPD & @NashvilleEOC boats were on the water again today. The Cheatham Co. Sheriff's Office is also assisting down river. See him? Pls call 615-862-8600."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.