A local man reported missing by his family last week is the subject of a criminal investigation, police have confirmed.
Const. Julie Tilbury of the Thunder Bay Police told tbnewswatch.com that 29-year-old, who was reportedly last seen by his fiancée last Wednesday, Oct. 30, was notified prior to his disappearance that charges would be forthcoming.
“There is a parallel criminal investigation ongoing, so we are trying to determine what is all going on here,” Tilbury said Monday.
“At this point in time, our officers are doing an investigation. When these types of things happen we have to ensure the privacy of this individual is foremost. This is an adult person who received some news he was going to be charged in a criminal investigation and at that point in time decided to go somewhere and not have contact with his family.”
Tilbury could not elaborate or provide any details to the nature of the investigation.
Hodgson left his Westfort home on Wednesday evening, telling his fiancée that he was going for a walk.
He did not take his cell phone or vehicle, and has not been in contact with any members of his family since.
The family posted a plea through social media, creating this Facebook page, for information as to his whereabouts, and asking if there had been any sightings. While those posts gained traction and exposure throughout the weekend, he is still missing.
His sister spoke to local reporters on Monday, and said she just wants to know that he is safe.
“If he is out there and OK I just want him to let us know so we’re not sitting here thinking something awful has happened to him,” she said through tears. “I don’t know what he would be running from.”
Tilbury advised he contact his family to put their minds to rest.
She added it is up to him to come forward to police.
“Our word to him is that if he sees this to contact his family and put them at ease. That would probably be in the best interests of him and his family,” Tilbury suggested.
“It is his option to turn himself into police and come forward and we can deal with this matter.”
He was slated to move into a new home with his fiancée last Thursday, the day after he went missing. The couple has a two young children.
“There was no indication he was leaving and not coming back, and no indication he would be gone for more than an hour,” his sister said.
His sister explained that he does not possess a passport, but does have family and friends in the southern Ontario area. She said anything is possible when it comes to his whereabouts.
The family is requesting anybody with information to contact police.
