A residential video surveillance camera captured missing Greater Sudbury city councillor Michael Vagnini’s truck travelling westbound on McCharles Lake Road, between Whitefish and Naughton, at approximately 5:40 p.m. on Jan. 27.
This, Greater Sudbury Police Service noted in a media release issued at 4 p.m. on Jan. 31, is the last verified sighting of the Greater Sudbury city council member for Ward 2.
“Based on that information, it is believed that the vehicle and driver may have left the area,” according to the media release.
Shortly after 5:40 p.m. on Jan. 27, a vehicle matching the description was captured on video surveillance by a local business on Regional Road 55 west of Highway 24. Although it appeared to be driving eastbound toward Lively, GSPS reported that they cannot confirm it was Vagnini’s truck due in part to the video quality.
“Officers continue to canvas residences and businesses in Lively and east of Lively heading towards Greater Sudbury for additional video surveillance footage to confirm whether the vehicle was in fact Michael Vagnini’s,” according to their media release.
Vagnini, 62, was last seen driving a black 2021 Ram 1500 truck with Ontario licence plate BK 22178. It has a broken passenger side tail light.
Vagnini is described as: 62 years of age, male, white, 5-11 tall, 260 lbs, with short, black hair and an unshaven face.
He was last seen wearing a bright yellow hooded sweater, green pants and black running shoes. Earlier in the day, he was seen wearing an Erie Otters jersey over top of the yellow hooded sweater. He does not have his phone with him.
Anyone who spoke with Michael in the days prior to January 27, 2024, who has not spoken with police is asked to call a dedicated tip line at 705-675-9171 extension 2320. Detectives are looking to gather additional information regarding conversations prior to Vagnini going missing.
“Immediate and actionable information” related to Vagnini’s whereabouts should be called in to 911.
In their latest media release, GSPS note that they continue to liaise with the OPP, who have so far been unable to use their helicopter due to weather conditions. Although it’s currently considered not safe to fly, they are regularly re-evaluating this throughout each day.
Other municipal and provincial law-enforcement agencies have been provided information about Vagnini’s disappearance, and a description of his vehicle.
“Officers continue to check publicly accessible parking lots, establishments and roadways, as well as the hospital,” according to the media release, in which area residents and business owners are asked to check all of their outbuildings.
As reported on multiple social media posts in recent days, numerous members of the community have also been driving area roads in search of Vagnini and his truck.
The following is the latest known timeline of events:
- Friday evening: On Friday night, Vagnini posted on Facebook that he was looking into purchasing a fire truck and water rescue craft for Beaver Lake.
- Saturday, daytime: At some point during the day, Vagnini posed for a photo with Freedom Convoy protesters during their weekly gathering outside of Bell Park.
- Saturday, 5:40 p.m.: Vagnini’s truck is seen travelling westbound on McCharles Lake Road.
- Saturday evening: Vagnini was reported missing to GSPS.
- Sunday, noon: GSPS issued their first media release indicating that Vagnini is a missing person, prompting numerous community members to begin their own searches.
