Police are searching for a missing Mississippi State University student, Lester R. Jones Jr., of Tupelo.
Starkville Police Department Detective Landon Stamps said Jones, 26, was last seen Jan. 12 at a Flowood gas station where his image was captured on a security camera. Jones’s cell phone was also found in the gas station bathroom.
Stamps said Jones was on his way to Jackson to visit fraternity brothers, but they never saw him. According to Stamps, no foul play is suspected at this time.
“He’s an adult and he does not have to check in with anybody or tell anyone his whereabouts,” Stamps said. “But he has a mother who’s worried about him and a police department who’s worried about him and I just want to know he’s OK – we just want to know he’s OK.”
Many of Jones’s friends are trying to spread the word about his disappearance via Facebook in hopes that more information will be turned in to the police. MSU alumnus and one of Jones’ high school classmates, Bryce Touchstone, said he is trying to get the word out about Jones’ disappearance.
“Lester is one of the nicest, funniest, most genuine people I have ever come across. In school he was always good for a joke, and would do anything he could for anybody,” he said. “If anyone can help find Lester and bring him home, they will have an eternally grateful Pontotoc community, not to mention myself.”
Jones is believed to have been driving a blue 2002 Ford Expedition with a Mississippi license plate reading KTW 714.
If you have any information on Jones’s whereabouts, contact the Starkville Police Department at 323-4131.