POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. – Authorities say a Virginia college student reported missing last week was apparently seen at a Missouri restaurant on Wednesday before he left the restaurant alone and drove away.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia is investigating the disappearance of Jonathan “Johnny” Roop. Authorities say he is a 20-year-old college student at Virginia Tech.
Investigators say Roop was last seen at his apartment on Feb. 16 before he was reported missing. He was expected to travel to his parents’ home to take an online exam, but he never showed up. Authorities found his phone later that day near a mall.
According to a news release Thursday from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Roop was traced to a restaurant in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, on Wednesday. An employee was working to identify him as he left the restaurant.
Investigators believe he let in a black 2018 Toyota Camry with Virginia license plate number: TXW6643. The sheriff’s office shared several surveillance photos of what was believed to be his vehicle leaving the restaurant on Wednesday.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia is investigating the disappearance of Jonathan “Johnny” Roop. Authorities say he is a 20-year-old college student at Virginia Tech. (Photos courtesy: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office)
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia is investigating the disappearance of Jonathan “Johnny” Roop. Authorities say he is a 20-year-old college student at Virginia Tech. (Photos courtesy: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office)
A news release earlier in the week indicated that Roop might be heading toward West Virginia or Tennessee. It also stated, “We have received no information leading us to believe that he is in immediate danger; however due to the fact that Mr. Roop appears to be acting outside of his normal behavior we would like to make contact with him to confirm that he is indeed ok.”
Investigators believe Roop is acting alone and traveling at his own volition.
If you have any information relevant to Roop’s whereabouts or this investigation, contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 540-382-4343.