BUFORD, Ga. -- A “person of interest” police are looking for in the case of a missing Gwinnett County hiker has been identified.

Police are looking for Gary Michael Hilton, 60, to ask him questions about missing hiker Meredith Emerson, 24.

Emerson, a Colorado native who now lives in Buford, went hiking with her black Labrador Retriever on Tuesday morning, friends said.

Her 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier was found abandoned Wednesday at the base of Blood Mountain.

Police said Hilton may be driving a white 1996 or 2001 Astro van. Witnesses told police Hilton was wearing a yellow jacket and a large, older backpack, something a person would use if he was planning to be in the mountains a couple of days or more.

"This man was seen with her on multiple occasions during that day (Tuesday)," Union County investigator Kimberly Verdone said Thursday.

"I'd love to talk to him. I'd love to find him," said Steve Segars, Emerson's boyfriend.

Witnesses also reported seeing Emerson several times Tuesday on the trail talking with other pet owners.

"At one time, they were seen talking, and then they took the dogs off the collars or off their leashes and actually the dogs ran up the mountain and they followed afterwards," Verdone said.

Police also confirmed that a water bottle and dog collar found near a hiking trail belonged to Emerson. Those were among a group of items that were brought to a clerk at a local store. One of the other items got authorities' attention.

"It was a dog leash, dog treats, water bottles, an ASP baton and men's sunglasses," said clerk Jennifer Morse.

An ASP baton is used by police officers.

Meanwhile, the hiker's friends are hopeful that she'll be found.

"She's an experienced hiker and a blue belt in martial arts," said Julia Karrenbauer, Emerson's roommate. "She's athletic and has a good head on her shoulders. So we're just hoping for the best."

"Let me tell you something, Meredith Emerson could do anything. She's tiny, but she can run those mountains," said friend Peggy Bailey.

Investigators have found no signs of foul play.