BELLVILLE – Police in Columbus seek public assistance in locating a 25-year-old Ashland County man whose car was found apparently abandoned behind Der Dutchman Restaurant in Bellville.
James Beardsley left a residence in Columbus on Sunday to travel to his home in Polk, but never arrived, according to Columbus police.
His vehicle was found parked at the rear of the restaurant, located near the I-71/Ohio 97 interchange. The vehicle was found Wednesday by Beardsley’s father, according to Richland County Sheriff’s Maj. Joe Masi.
According to the restaurant’s Facebook page, the Der Dutchman at that location, about 32 miles from Polk, is closed Jan. 1 through Jan. 13 due to renovations.
Masi said the RCSO is assisting Columbus police, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office and Bellville police in the case.
“We have checked the area where his car was located. A search warrant was executed on the vehicle,” Masi said. “Family members have been interviewed and the investigation is ongoing.”
Bellville police on Saturday morning said their records office was closed until Monday morning and no additional information was available.
Beardsley is described as 6–foot-1 and 200 pounds with red hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with information is asked to call Columbus police at 614-645-2358 or 614-645-4545 and reference report No. 250018319.