Benson Police confirmed Monday the NC State Bureau of Investigation is assisting with their investigation into the bizarre disappearance of a out-of-state man last month.
Around 3:00am on Friday, November 25th, police said Christopher Cole Thomas of Live Oak, Florida and two of his friends were traveling on I-40 towards Durham when they exited off the interstate and had come into Benson.
As the men were traveling through a residential area, his friends allege Thomas suddenly stopped the car, jumped out and ran away. His two friends told police they attempted to find him but could not so they alerted authorities.
Police Captain Greg Percy said extensive efforts have been made by officers to locate Thomas but there have not been any sightings since his disappearance near North Elm and East Morgan Streets. Dunn Police and the Benson Fire Department have both sent personnel to help with the search.
Thomas, who worked as an electrician most recently in Minnesota, was in North Carolina to spend Thanksgiving with a co-worker in Durham. Police said he has not contacted any of his friends, his employer, or family members.
Thomas is described as a 22 year-old white male, 6 foot 1, 230 pounds, with brown/blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a red t-shirt, black pants, and a black Carhartt jacket.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Christopher Cole Thomas is asked to contact Benson Police at 919-894-2091 or email tips to crimeline@bensonpd.org.
