Tips are coming in, but still no sign of missing Sudbury politician

Missing for five days, Greater Sudbury Police said Thursday they haven’t given up hope of finding missing Sudbury politician Michael Vagnini.

“We hope that this has a positive ending for Mr. Vagnini and his family, as well as the community,” said Det. Staff Sgt. Barry Ornella.

“He’s a well-known, well-respected member of our community and very engaged and helpful to the city of Sudbury. So at this point, we remain hopeful and our efforts remain robust in hopes that we can account for his safety and his wellbeing.”

Police said more than a dozen tips have come in since the investigation began Jan. 27, the day Vagnini disappeared.

He was last seen in his black pickup truck on McCharles Lake Road in Naughton.

Ornella wouldn’t elaborate on the health issues that have Vagnini’s loved ones concerned for his well-being, but he said police need to be responsive to individuals appearing confused or disoriented, symptoms typical of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Ward 2 Greater Sudbury City Councillor Michael Vagnini. (City of Greater Sudbury)

Ornella is hoping to hear from anyone who spoke with Vagnini the day he disappeared.

“We’re really interested in what were the nature of those conversations,” he said.

“What might seem very inconsequential or trivial may, in fact, be very helpful for us to determine what caused or what led up to his disappearance and what might lead us into that next direction which can help us account for him.”

Bad weather has hampered efforts to conduct a comprehensive aerial search with the OPP helicopter, but Ornella is hopeful that can happen soon.

He said this is still a search and rescue investigation.

“We have not yet stopped our ground search efforts and we certainly are eager to have the OPP helicopter, which will be key to that effort,” he said.

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“As days go by, we adapt to the information coming in, the weather and where the investigation takes us.”

He said anyone who sees or comes in contact with Vagnini should call 911 immediately.