Parents of missing student lobby for quicker searches

(AP) - The parents of a University of St. Thomas student who went missing 10 days ago are pushing to change state law to allow quicker searches when adults disappear.

Sally and Dale Zamlen testified Wednesday before the House Finance Committee.

Their son, Dan Zamlen of Eveleth, has been missing since early April 5 in St. Paul. He was walking along the Mississippi River bluffs after leaving a party when he disappeared.

His parents told the House panel the response has been hampered because state law doesn't allow law enforcement to treat adult disappearances as aggressively as child disappearances.

The committee approved legislation allowing for faster searches for missing young adults and older adults under specific circumstances.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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