Search continues for missing Sudbury city councillor

Sudbury police are looking for Ward 2 city councillor Michael Vagnini who was reported missing Saturday.

Michael Vagnini, 62, left home Jan. 27 in his Ram 1500 truck and had not been seen since. His family said he did not have his cellphone or his medication with him. (File)

They are asking for the public’s help in locating the missing 62-year-old man saying there is concern for his wellbeing.

"The missing male requires medications but has none with him," said Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) in a news release Sunday.

"As a result, he may appear confused or disoriented."

In an update shortly after 4 p.m. Monday, police said they have continued the search throughout the day and he has not yet been found.

"Officers have been and continue to extensively search the Walden, Lively, Naughton and Whitefish areas," said police.

"However, there have not been any confirmed sightings of Michael or the vehicle."

Police said since Vagnini is believed to have been driving his truck at the time he went missing and was likely mobile for quite some time before the incident was reported to police, he could be anywhere in the area.

"We are asking the entire community of Greater Sudbury to be on the look out for the vehicle in parking lots across the city and for residents and business owners to check all outbuildings on your property," said the GSPS.

"Please be vigilant in looking for a black 2021 Ram 1500 truck - Ontario license plate BK22 178 as he is believed to be with the vehicle."

Sudbury police provided this photo of the front of the black black 2021 Ram 1500 truck - Ontario license plate BK22 178 that Ward 2 city councillor Michael Vagnini was believed to be driving when he was reported missing on Jan. 27/24. (Supplied/Greater Sudbury Police Service)Police provided photos of the missing vehicle we the update Monday afternoon.

An undated photo provided by the Greater Sudbury Police Service of the black black 2021 Ram 1500 truck that Ward 2 city councillor Michael Vagnini was believed to be driving when he was reported missing on Jan. 27/24. (Supplied/Greater Sudbury Police Service)Police searched for Vagnini throughout the day on Sunday focusing their efforts on the McCharles Lake Road area, between Lively and Whitefish.

A drone was deployed on Monday to search for the truck and to see if any heat could be picked up by a thermal imaging camera.

Vagnini is described as a white male, 5-feet-11-inches tall, 260 pounds with brown eyes, short black hair and an unshaven face.

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

"The male was driving a black 2021 Ram 1500 truck - Ontario license plate BK22 178."

A photo of Vagnini's black 2021 Ram 1500 truck posted to Facebook on Dec. 29/23. (Michael Vagnini/Facebook)

Police said he was last seen in the area of Regional Road 55 and McCharles Lake Road, east of the Greater Sudbury community of Whitefish.

Police are unaware of his intended destination and his whereabouts remain unknown on Monday morning.

The intersection of Regional Road 55 and McCharles Lake Road in Greater Sudbury the afternoon of Jan. 28/24. (Angela Gemmill/CTV News Northern Ontario)

On Saturday, Vagnini was seen at a demonstration on Paris Street near Bell Park in the outfit police described above.

Michael Vagnini was seen wearing the yellow sweater, green pants and black running shoes described in the Greater Sudbury Police Service's news release on Jan. 27/24 at a demonstration on Paris Street. (Facebook/Sudbury Freedom Convoy)

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The outgoing voicemail for the phone number listed for Vagnini on the city's website states "he is currently unavailable and is on disability due to some recent health issues" and directs callers to contact 3-1-1 for assistance with city matters.

Statement from the city

On Sunday afternoon, Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre released a statement expressing his office and the city’s concern for the missing councillor.

"We are all extremely worried by the news that councillor Michael Vagnini is missing and there are concerns for his health and well-being," the statement reads in part.

"These type of situations are very challenging and we all want to see a good outcome."

Lefebvre expressed his confidence in police and their efforts.

“I know the Greater Sudbury Police Service is taking every action to locate him,” he said.

“I thank them for their diligence and focus on this matter.”

Lefebvre said he and all of city council hope Vagnini is found quickly and in good health.

Public assistance requested

Anyone with information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of Vagnini or his vehicle is asked to contact the GSPS at 705-675-9171 quoting incident number SU24 006569.