The chief of Washington's police force told a D.C. radio audience Thursday that the odds of finding missing federal intern Chandra Levy alive are "not good" but stressed that investigators will continue to do whatever necessary to find out what happened to the 24-year-old woman.

Metropolitan Police Chief Charles Ramsey also said it is unlikely that the young woman, whose disappearance has garnered national attention because of her "friendship" with a California congressman, killed herself. She most likely disappeared on her own accord or met with foul play, he said.

Ramsey, whose live appearance on WTOP-AM radio was broadcast by CNN, said D.C. police and the FBI still have not uncovered any evidence to suggest that Levy, missing since May 1, was the victim of a crime. Levy bags were found packed inside her Northwest apartment and she was scheduled to return to her home in California for her college graduation.

"It is still a missing persons case. We don't have anything to date to show that it is anything other than that," Ramsey said. "Leads are still coming in. Most of them are not leading anywhere."

Ramsey's appearance on the radio program came a day after U.S. Rep. Gary Condit skipped scheduled Fourth of July holiday appearances in his California congressional district. Condit, a Democrat who was a vocal critic of President Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky affair, has dodged media questions about the exact nature of his relationship with Levy and a flight attendant who claims that the married father of two asked her to lie about a 10-month romantic relationship.

Late Thursday, the congressman's lawyer, Abbe D. Lowell, released a statement saying Condit and his wife, Carolyn, missed the holiday activities so that she could be interviewed by investigators in Washington. "Unlike some — Congressman Condit remains singularly focused on what is and what remains the central issue at this time — locating Chandra Levy," the statement said. Lowell also announced that the congressman had hired a public relations specialist to assist with media inquiries about the case.

Ramsey, who appears on a live call-in show on the radio station every month, sidestepped questions about Condit's personal life Thursday morning and said he personally finds the intense speculation about the congressman unfair.

"First of all, the only thing we are interested in is trying to locate a missing person and not any other aspect of what's going on right now," Ramsey said. "I am aware of all of the speculation ... We have to stay focused on one thing, and that's finding her."

Pressed about Condit, Ramsey said the 53-year-old is just one of 100 people interviewed by investigators looking into Levy's disappearance.

"We have asked questions. We have gotten answers to questions," Ramsey said. "He is one of a hundred people we have talked to regarding this case. As information comes in, we're not afraid to go back and ask more questions if needed."

After the radio appearance, the police chief again told reporters he is not interested in speculation about the congressman's romantic affairs and that Condit's alleged romance with a flight attendant is not his business.

"I'm not looking for a flight attendant," Ramsey said. "We're looking for Chandra Levy … We're not the sex police here. We're trying to find a missing person."

Discussing possible scenarios, Ramsey said that police do not believe Levy committed suicide because her body likely would have been found by now. That leaves the possibilities that Levy met with foul play or left on her own accord, Ramsey said. The police chief added that he understands that Levy's parents, Robert and Susan Levy of Modesto, Calif., are anxious for news.

"Their daughter is missing. There has to be an incredible amount of frustration that goes along with that," the police chief said from behind a large microphone. "Anything short of finding her is not going to be acceptable. I understand that. We're working as hard as we can."

Ramsey said in response to a question that he was aware of speculation that a second woman with ties to Condit is missing but had no information about it. Police have received numerous tips but few amount to anything, he said.

Asked if it is likely that Chandra Levy will ever be found alive, Ramsey responded, "The odds are not good."

He added, "We all hope and pray she's alive. The good news is we haven't found anything that indicates she has met foul play. The bad news is we haven't found anything, period."