LINCOLNTON, N.C. — The search intensified Friday for Tony Maddox, a 70-year-old Lincolnton man who was reported missing after his 2014 black Dodge Charger was found abandoned in Charlotte.
Police and the State Bureau of Investigation are now actively searching for his cellphone, which last pinged near Clark’s Creek Road.
Maddox was last seen around 8 a.m. Tuesday near his home on Nelson Drive. The discovery of his vehicle on Elm Lane in Charlotte has prompted police to conduct an extensive search, including his Lincolnton apartment and the area where his phone last registered a signal.
Police searched Maddox’s home on Nelson Drive on Thursday, according to neighbors.
Lincolnton Police and the SBI went to Clarks Creek Road to search for Maddox’s cellphone after it was last pinged there.
“They asked to look at the camera video to see if maybe we captured the car driving by or seen anything that maybe happened by our house,” said neighbor Betsi Chavez.
Maddox’s family members and friends said that he would not have driven to Charlotte for any reason.
“Be honest with you sir, he is scared to drive down on (Highway) 150 like you’re going to Shelby,” said friend Barbara Williams. “He will not get on no freeway, no.”
Neighbors reported that Maddox would always wave at them along Nelson Drive. They are hoping for a break in the case.
“Praying we find him or they do find him alive,” Bailey said. “It’s just a mystery.”
If you have any information, you are asked to contact the Lincolnton Police Department at (704) 736-8900.
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