Dec. 09--A day after releasing mysterious photos of possibly unconscious women in hopes of identifying them, Windermere police announced Wednesday that they have found several of the women.
Windermere Police Chief David Ogden then, without explanation, asked news outlets that published the photos to remove them from their websites and social-media pages.
The Orlando Sentinel did not publish the photos.
Authorities have not explained why they were searching for the women or revealed any details about their investigation.
"At this time, we have identified several of the women in the photographs released yesterday," Ogden said in an email Wednesday. "I have removed them from my Facebook site. The WPD will not be identifying these women and we are moving forward with an open investigation."
Windermere police released the photos Tuesday out of concern for the women's safety and well-being.
However, in a phone interview on Tuesday, Detective John Allen would not elaborate on why they are concerned about the women.
He also would not comment on how police obtained the images.
In each of the photos, the women appear as if they are sleeping or passed out.
On Wednesday, Ogden said they are still looking to identify the remaining women.
It appears that six women have been identified out of about a dozen photos.
"Neither Chief Ogden nor Detective John Allen will be available for comments as we move forward with an open investigation," the Wednesday news release said.
twalden@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5620
