Benson police investigating new information in Cole Thomas missing-man case

Elaina Athans Image
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Renewed search for missing man Cole Thomas
Benson Police conducted a new search after getting more information on the case.

BENSON, North Carolina (WTVD) -- Police used ATVs and canines as they searched a heavily wooded area Wednesday for a missing 23-year-old man.



Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App



It was another search in the mysterious disappearance of Cole Thomas. The Benson Police Department said it received new information in the disappearance.





Close to 40 law enforcement officers from 12 agencies helped in the effort.



Thomas went missing Nov. 25, 2016, as he and two others drove from Minnesota to Florida for Thanksgiving. Others in the vehicle said he suddenly stopped the car in Benson and jumped out, then vanished.



READ MORE: Fourth man arrested in disappearance of missing man Cole Thomas



Four people have been arrested in connection with the incident. Each person is facing a felony concealment of death charge.





Authorities said those men were involved in a drug deal, and Thomas allegedly became paranoid and ran off.





Benson Police Chief Kenneth Edwards would not say whether those men are cooperating with the investigation.



Thomas' family lives in Florida and came to North Carolina for some of the previous searches.



RELATED: Father says he won't stop searching for missing son, Cole Thomas



"One of those guys know and they need to tell. They need to talk," Cole's father, Chris Thomas, said in August.



A reward is offered for information in the case.



READ MORE: $10,000 reward offered in search for missing man

Copyright © 2024 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.