Emelene VanDyke located in New Mexico

ROSWELL, NM (WOOD) - A Holland woman, who disappeared last month, has been located in New Mexico.

The Holland Department of Public Safety removed Emelene VanDyke from its missing person database after speaking to her Saturday night, according to a news release.

A Roswell, N.M. police officer on patrol noticed VanDyke was driving in a hotel parking lot. The officer investigated the vehicle and confirmed the information with Holland police.

The officer talked with VanDyke when she voluntarily came forward after noticing police were investigating her vehicle in the lot.

A Holland officer then talked with VanDyke on the phone and confirmed she was there on her own decision and not in any danger.

VanDyke told police she was aware that she was considered missing, but for personal reasons decided to remain silent, according to a news release.

Police encouraged her to contact her concerned family and friends in Michigan, and VanDyke's loved ones were then notified.

The search for the 36-year-old began when she left West Michigan for an apparent "retreat," possibly in the Traverse City area, the weekend of Feb. 16.

VanDyke purchased a new car from a local dealership and withdrew a significant amount of money from her bank, police said.

A computerized license plate reader spotted her vehicle in New Mexico on March 10, which helped the investigation, and authorities locating her safely.