Whitney Heichel Missing: Cellphone of missing Ore. barista discovered outside local apartment complex

(CBS) GRESHAM, Ore. - Police confirmed that a cellphone apparently belonging to missing 21-year-old Oregon barista Whitney Heichel was found outside a local apartment complex Thursday.

Pictures: Ore. Starbucks barista missing

At a Friday morning news conference, Gresham Police Department spokesman Lt. Claudio Grandjean said the device was found by two children playing in a field area near Troutdale Terrace Apartments around 5:30 p.m. Thursday evening. He said no other items were found along with the phone.

Police are hoping the phone would provide clues that would lead them to the Heichel, who was reported missing Oct. 16 when she did not show up for work at her job at a Starbucks near her home.

Heichel's car was later found that day at a Walmart parking lot in Wood Village with the passenger side window smashed. Police say Heichel's ATM card was used at a Troutdale gas station.

The apartment complex where the cell phone was found is located between the parking lot  and the gas station, Grandjean said Friday, calling it a key area.

Searchers have been looking for clues at Larch Mountain and Dodge Park, both remote forested areas east of Gresham, where they believe her SUV was driven. Grandjean said investigators expect to complete their search of Larch Mountain on Friday afternoon.

Police say they've received a number of tips and they continue to investigate it as a missing person case.

Police Chief Craig Junginger said previously that "property" has been recovered at several locations, but it is uncertain if it that property is related to the case.

Investigators are also still combing through surveillance video.

Heichel is 5-foot-2 and weighs about 120 pounds. Anyone who may have seen Heichel is asked to call the Gresham Police Tip Line at 503-618-2719.

More on CrimesiderOctober 18, 2012 - Whitney Heichel Missing: Oregon barista disappeared on the way to work, police say