Police hoping missing dog could lead them to finding missing Buckeye woman

BUCKEYE, AZ (AZFamily)—Buckeye police announced on Tuesday that a missing family dog could help them find Hope Tucker.

Investigators said they learned Tucker and her adult autistic son were traveling with the pup when their purple Dodge Charger broke down on Interstate 10 between Verrado Way and Watson Road on May 22.

It's unclear what breed the dog is, but it has brown and white fur, with a brown right eye and a blue left eye.

Police didn't say how old the dog is, but it appears to be a shepherd mix.

Detectives believe details about where the dog is may help in the disappearance case.

Tucker was last seen on May 22, after she and her son had left the broken-down car and were looking for shade.

Her son was found at a gas station on Watson Road just south of I-10 two days later.

He was hospitalized for nearly a month before being placed in the care of a family member. The son has limited communication.

He told his relatives what happened after leaving the hospital, and they called Phoenix police on June 22.

The search area was recently expanded after police conducted a specialized interview with her son.

Authorities continue asking for the public's help locating Tucker, who is 6′1′′ and approximately 220 lbs. She was last seen wearing a black shirt, white shorts and purple shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or submit a tip online here .