By Nicole Coleman/colemann@gnnewspaper.com
Police are looking for a City of Lockport resident last seen leaving the Niagara Falls area in his vehicle at 1:40 a.m. Thursday.
Arnold P. Barnett, 57, is known throughout the community as a district administrator in the Pembroke Central School System.
Friends and family have not spoken with him since his disappearance, said Trooper John DiPasquale with the New York State Police Lockport Station. Barnett has not answered his cell phone or used any of his credit cards.
“No contact with work, no contact with friends or family that we’re aware of,” DiPasquale said. “We’ve been actively searching for him. There’s a possibility his vehicle may have gone off the roadway. We’re not ruling out the possibility he may have been involved in a motor vehicle accident.”
Lockport state and local police have notified the Niagara Falls Police Department, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department and the New York State Parks Police who have been aiding in the search. Helicopters have combed the surrounding area a number of times, DiPasquale said. There is no indication at this time that Barnett deliberately disappeared.
Barnett’s extended family members have traveled from Long Island to participate in private search parties, DiPasquale said.
Friends of Barnett’s have also been out searching for him, including members of Medina’s Shelridge Country Club where he plays golf.
“There are a lot of steps that have been taken,” DiPasquale said. “We’re trying to confirm if he is out there, using a credit card.”
Barnett was driving a white 1998 Buick Riviera with New York State License Plate BNM 6843. He is 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with white hair and brown eyes.
The Barnett family has stated it is extremely out of character that he did not return home, DiPasquale said. Information about his whereabouts should be directed to the New York State Lockport Police Station at (716) 434-5588.
Contact reporter Nicole Coleman at (585) 798-1400, ext. 2227.
