Search continues after missing man’s vehicle found near Natchez riverfront

NATCHEZ, Mississippi — Search teams continue looking for 31-year-old Cornelius Elijah Allen after authorities found his vehicle abandoned near the Natchez riverfront, officials said.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office said Allen was reported missing out of Covington County on Feb. 25 and a Silver Alert was issued. Investigators said the 2017 black Volkswagen Tiguan with Mississippi plate 910 CVB was located Feb. 26 near the intersection of D.A. Biglane Road and Canal Street and was towed by the Natchez Police Department.

Investigators said additional evidence emerged the following day when Allen’s car keys were found along the bank of the Mississippi River near the Natchez port area. The Natchez Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and other partner agencies.

Search and rescue teams conducted operations in the Mississippi River on March 3, searching until about 4:30 p.m., and resumed Wednesday at approximately 9 a.m., officials said. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks has assisted alongside local law enforcement.

Authorities asked the public to review security or camera footage recorded Feb. 25 between 4:51 a.m. and 1:46 p.m., particularly near D.A. Biglane Road, Canal Street, the Natchez port area and surrounding riverfront locations. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Adams County Sheriff’s Office at 601-442-2752, the Natchez Police Department at 601-445-5565, or Southwest Regional Crime Stoppers at 888-442-5001 to remain anonymous. Officials said they appreciate continued community cooperation. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.