Possible sighting of Sudbury politician's truck the day he went missing

Police in Greater Sudbury are continuing their search for city councillor Michael Vagnini, 62, who hasn’t been seen since Jan. 27.

In an update Wednesday, police said a vehicle that matches the one Vagnini was driving was captured on a residential video the day he went missing around 5:40 p.m. travelling west on McCharles Lake Road.

"Based on that information, it is believed that the vehicle and driver may have left the area," police said in a news release.

"Shortly after 5:40 p.m. … a vehicle matching the description of Michael’s truck was captured on video surveillance by a local business on RR55 West of Highway 24. The vehicle was travelling eastbound towards Lively, however, due to the make and model of the truck, the time of day and the quality of the video, we cannot confirm that it was Michael’s truck."

Officers continue to canvass residences and businesses in Lively and east of Lively heading towards Greater Sudbury for additional video surveillance footage to confirm whether the vehicle was Vagnini’s.

On the day he disappeared, Michael Vagnini was seen wearning an Erie Otters jersey overtop of the yellow hooded sweater. (Photo from Sudbury police)

"Michael was last seen wearing a bright yellow hooded sweater, green pants and black running shoes," police said.

"Earlier in the day Michael was seen wearing an Erie Otters jersey overtop of the yellow hooded sweater."

Police are hoping that anyone who spoke with Vagnini in the days before Jan. 27 -- and who has not already spoken with police -- will call them at 705-675-9171, ext. 2320. That extension is now a dedicated tip line for information on his disappearance.

Criminal investigators

"Detectives in our criminal investigation division are looking to gather additional information regarding conversations prior to Michael going missing," the release said.

"We continue to liaise with the Ontario Provincial Police in relation to the use of the helicopter. Due to the current weather conditions, it is not safe to fly, however, that is regularly re-evaluated throughout each day."

Officers continue to check publicly accessible parking lots, establishments and roadways, as well as the hospital.

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"We continue to ask community members to be on the lookout for the vehicle in both public and private parking lots across the city and for residents and business owners to check all outbuildings on your property," police said.

Anyone with information related to the whereabouts of Michael Vagnini or the vehicle is asked to contact police at 705-675-9171 extension 2320.