BLACK RIVER FALLS (WEAU) – Investigators are asking for your help in their search for a man who disappeared after officers chased him.

Gene Cloud Jr., 20, of Tomah was last seen on January 25. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department says he was driving a car east on County Road O near Millston, when it slid into the ditch. A deputy was there at the time, and tried to talk to him, but Cloud ran away. Investigators chased him for a while on foot, then stopped. They don’t think Cloud was hurt in the crash.

Cloud’s family reported him missing two days later. He’s described as a Native American man, 5’8” tall, and approximately 140 pounds. Deputies say he has black hair, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, black hooded sweatshirt, jeans, and black tennis shoes. He also had a puppy with him.

Investigators are searching cabins and abandoned houses in the area as they try to find Cloud. If you have any information, call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department at 715-248-5357 or the Ho-Chunk Nation Police Department 715-284-9343 ext. 3433.

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NEWS RELEASE-Gene Cloud was last seen on January 25, 2011 when the vehicle he was operating slid in the ditch in Millston Township, Jackson County. The crash was witnessed by a Deputy who attempted contact with Cloud. Cloud fled from the scene on foot. Cloud was pursued by law enforcement for a short distance before law enforcement ended the foot pursuit. There was no indication that Cloud was injured from the crash.

On January 27, 2012 Cloud was reported as a missing person by family members. Family members had not had contact with Cloud since the early morning hours of January 25. No one has seen or heard from Cloud since that time. It is possible that Cloud was picked up by somebody and given a ride, but he should have made contact with someone at this point.

Gene Cloud Jr. is a 20 year old Native American male, 5’08, approximately 140 pounds, black hair, brown eyes, last seen wearing a black leather jacket, black hooded sweatshirt, jeans and black tennis shoes. Cloud was in possession of a 6 month old male Daschund puppy; brown in color short hair. It is believed that the puppy was wearing a sweater.

Law enforcement is continuing to search for Cloud and are checking area cabins and abandoned houses. Law enforcement is asking for the public’s help in searching their sheds, cabins and land around the Millston, Knapp and Bear Bluff Townships. Anyone with information regarding Cloud or the missing dog is encouraged to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department at 715-248-5357 or the Ho-Chunk Nation Police Department 715-284-9343 ext. 3433.