Search For Missing Clayton Teen Expands After Car Found Wrecked

CLAYTON, N.C. – The search for a missing Clayton teenager has expanded to the Greensboro area after police said the vehicle he was driving was found wrecked and unoccupied.

Clayton Police announced the update Sept. 22, saying Robert Allen Book III, 17, remains missing.

Police said Robert was last seen on surveillance video at a Clayton gas station around 1:30 a.m. Sept. 12 before traveling westbound in a black 2010 Kia Soul.

Investigators released a new surveillance image showing Robert inside the store.

About two hours later, at approximately 3:20 a.m., the Kia was involved in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. 421 in Greensboro.

When first responders arrived, the vehicle was empty.

Police are now trying to determine where Robert went after the crash and whether someone may have picked him up or provided him transportation.

Clayton Police are asking anyone who may have seen Robert near the crash scene, given him a ride, witnessed someone picking him up or captured relevant dash camera footage to contact investigators.

When Robert was originally reported missing Sept. 13, police said he had previously expressed an interest in traveling to western North Carolina and “living off the land.” Investigators are now trying to determine whether he continued west after abandoning the vehicle in Greensboro.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Budden at 919-437-6742.

Anonymous tips may be provided to the Clayton Police Department tip line at 919-553-1555.