Investigation continues after West U dad found 'disheveled,' but safe, in San Antonio, officials say

WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, Texas (KTRK) -- A West University Place developer and father of three who was the subject of a massive missing persons search was transported back to Houston after he reached out to his worried family overnight.

Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen said Detamore emailed family members Monday night, and his office was able to pick him up without incident at a bus stop in San Antonio.

"We were very happy he was found unharmed," Rosen said during a news conference Tuesday afternoon. "He's a bit fazed and a bit disheveled, and nonetheless he is doing well."

Rosen said Detamore is now being medically evaluated at a hospital. Meanwhile, questions continue to go unanswered relating to what happened during the past six days.

Brett Detamore left his home at 4 a.m. last Wednesday and then seemingly disappeared. His wife filed a missing persons report, and soon, a high-profile search was underway.

Hours after he was reported missing, Houston police located a burned-out truck at Bear Creek Park and notified West University police that the truck belonged to Detamore.

Over the course of the next 48 hours, West University police, Harris County Precinct 1, and Precinct 5 constable deputies were all involved in an extensive search. Texas EquuSearch volunteers were also called out, with dozens combing the park.

At the same time, Facebook posts relating to his disappearance continued to be shared hundreds of times. Well-connected friends reached out to Clear Channel Outdoors, and by Friday, 10 digital billboards were up, asking for tips regarding Detamore's disappearance.

During this entire time, multiple sources in the law enforcement community cast doubt that the disappearance was anything criminal, citing the fact that he left the house on his own and court records showing several civil lawsuits related to his development business.

ABC13 has monitored Detamore's disappearance since the first day but did not report on the case until Monday when West University police responded to social media rumors with an on-the-record news conference. Chief Ken Walker confirmed that he did not believe foul play was involved.

It's a point he reiterated Tuesday at the news conference that Detamore had been found.

"Early on, our guys were able to develop evidence that he probably left on his own for a lot of reasons," Walker said.

The Houston Fire Department confirms an investigation is underway for possible arson after Detamore's truck, a Dodge Ram TRX worth $100,000, was found burned. In addition, Walker said a criminal investigation is ongoing.

"We're saying there may have been people that may have been complicit with other things he's been involved with," Walker said. "Maybe even the missing (case), we don't know, but we're going to continue to run down leads until we find out."

Walker refused to elaborate on what that criminal activity may be.

Overall, law enforcement defended the considerable public resources spent on Detamore, saying they would have responded in the same manner for any other missing person, regardless of social media attention. They insist there was no favoritism for this West University father of three, nor did the calls by the well-connected friends of the couple have any effect.

"It's our job. It's our fiduciary duty, and it doesn't come down to what our expense is. We just have a job to do," Rosen said.

Walker admitted that the search cost his department a lot but said the true sacrifice went to the volunteers.

"The ones I really felt bad for were the great people at (Texas) Equusearch. It was hot last Thursday and Friday. The volunteers did a magnificent job," he said.

Family members of Detamore requested privacy on Facebook posts following him being located.

The Detamore family sent Eyewitness News the following statement:

"Over the last six days, we have been trying to piece together information relevant to Brett's whereabouts. We still have more questions than answers, and we're still working to sort through each and every detail. Thanks in part to Constable Alan Rosen and his team. Last night we were able to locate Brett. We want to personally thank each and everyone who jumped in to help, including West University PD, Constable Alan Rosen and his team in Precinct 1, Precinct 5, Tim Miller and the team at EquuSearch, and every single volunteer who took time away from their families to help us find him. Your support has been overwhelming, and we appreciate it more than you know. We know that not every case has the kind of community and social support and attention nor the outcome that Brett's case received, and we are eternally grateful. We do ask for and appreciate your grace and privacy as we sort through what comes next for our family."

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