Patrick Shunn, Monique Patenaude.jpg

Patrick Shunn, 45, and Monique Patenaude, 46, have lived in Snohomish County, Washington, for at least three years, a neighbor says. They were last seen Monday, April 11, 2016. (Snohomish County Sheriff's Office)

(Handout photo)

Crews resumed their search Saturday northeast of Seattle for a couple who mysteriously vanished this week, leaving their goats, ducks and baby chicks untended.

Patrick Shunn, 45, and Monique Patenaude, 46, were last seen on Monday. He's from Oregon City, Oregon, and still has family there. She's from British Columbia.

Their disappearance is considered suspicious, according to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office.

Their vehicles were spotted Thursday by a helicopter crew in a remote wooded area near Oso, Washington, the scene of a devastating mudslide in 2014. The vehicles, a Jeep and Landrover, had plunged over an embankment in the same area, according to the sheriff's office.

Detectives have been to the site to search the vehicles, said Lt. Monte Beaton of the sheriff's office. It's not clear whether they've been recovered. No more details were available.

"The investigation is continuing," Beaton said Saturday. "They're looking."

A search and rescue helicopter is circling the area, which is about 10 miles northeast of Arlington, where the couple lives. A longtime resident said the pair has lived in the area for at least three or four years.

The neighbor described them as good, responsible people who would not just take off. They have goats, chickens, ducks and baby chicks under a heat lamp in the house.

Shunn was last seen at his job at an aircraft-interior refurbishing firm in Kirkland on Monday, but he did not go to work or call Tuesday. Patenaude was last seen around 1 p.m. Monday near the couple's home at the 27800 block of Whitman Road, according to the sheriff's office.

Shunn's brother, Erik Shunn of Oregon City, has posted updates on Facebook. In a post Thursday, he said his parents were headed to Arlington. He could not be reached for comment Saturday.

"I'm staying in (Oregon City) to watch the animals," the post said. "Please continue to pray for our family and keep the positive thoughts coming. We appreciate each and every one of you and your support!"

The sheriff's office has not identified any suspects in the disappearance.

News reports said the couple was embroiled in a legal dispute with neighbors over trespassing. The reports say a trial on the civil case is scheduled later this year.

The sheriff's office asked the public to share any information on the case with its anonymous tip line at 425-388-3845.

-- Lynne Terry