Sampson County authorities are still searching for a man who went missing last Wednesday, Jan. 21.
According to Sampson County Sheriff’s Captain Marcus Smith, family members reported Andy Vinson West, 58, missing Thursday, Jan. 22, in the High House Road area. The family members said he was last seen at around 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
“A search was immediately launched, which included assistance from Sampson County Emergency Management, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), and other partnering agencies,” Smith stated on Friday. “Search efforts continued late into the night utilizing both ground and aerial searches. However, Mr. West was not located.”
As of Sunday, Sheriff Jimmy Thornton said deputies had conducted more than 16 hours of search operations, with the help of Sampson County Emergency Management, local fire department search and rescue teams, and K-9 and air support from the SBI.
“We’ve gotten a lot of information, and have followed up on it all, but have still not located Mr. West,” Smith said Monday morning. “We assume he left on foot or someone picked him up because his vehicle’s still at his home.”
Sheriff Thornton shared on Facebook that West has not reported to work as scheduled. “At this time, foul play is not suspected, but has not been ruled out,” he added.
Although inclement weather slowed search efforts, they were continuing as of press time.
West is an employee at the Clinton Walmart, with many people stating on social media that they recognized him and referring to him as a nice, friendly individual.
Anyone with information regarding West’s whereabouts is asked to contact Sampson County Communications immediately at 910-592-1151.
For any updates after press time, see the Sampson Independent Facebook page or visit our website, clintonnc.com.