UPDATE: Newark school principal found in Philly, sister says

Bertha S. Dyer, 68 (Photo: Franklin PD)

FRANKLIN TWP -- Police on Thursday asked for the public's help to find a woman who was reportedly last seen at the Newark school where she works as its principal.





Bertha S. Dyer, 68, of Franklin Township, was reported missing by her sister on Wednesday, according to the Franklin Township Police Department. Dyer's sister told officers she was last seen around 3 p.m. Tuesday at Newark's Mount Vernon Elementary School, where she is the principal.

"Ms. Dyer was scheduled for multiple meetings on Wednesday that she did not attend," police said in a statement.

Dyer's absences led a family friend to call her sister, according to police.

"There are no obvious signs of foul play," said Franklin police Sgt. Philip Rizzo. "Our detectives are using all the tools at their disposal in an effort to locate Ms. Dyer."

Authorities described Dyer as 5-foot-4 inches tall and known to drive a white 2011 Toyota 4Runner with New Jersey license plate of U79GXM.

Anyone with information was asked to call Franklin police at 732-873-2300 or Detective Trevor Wilson at 732-873-5533, extension 3161.

A school district spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a message Thursday.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.