Search Party Formed Searching For Missing Columbus Man

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Dozens of people fanned out across Columbus Tuesday night to search for Christopher Reed, 25, who was reported missing Monday.

A Silver Alert is in place as Reed has now been missing for nearly 24 hours.

“We just want him to come home safe,” said cousin Annie Davis.

Family and complete strangers came together in an effort to bring Christopher Reed home.

“Hopefully no one will give up. We’ve got fliers we’re going to hand out, so hopefully everybody will keep a look out no matter what happens tonight,” said search party organizer Jessie Drew.

With water, snacks, help from police and first responders, many are going out into the night with one common goal.
Jessie Drew organized Tuesday’s search party. She too has an autistic son and says Christopher’s story hits close to home.

“All I kept thinking was, it could be him. So as time went on, I mean, he’s been missing since yesterday. I really felt pressured into doing something,” said Drew.

Braving the cold and the darkness, dozens grabbed coats and flash lights and prepare for a long night.

“Until everyone’s ready to go home. I’m not going to put a time limit on it,” said Drew.

Since Chris suffers from autism, Drew says that whoever happens to see him needs to realize, you’ll have to approach him in a different way.

“We’re going to be asking in question form. If we see someone we think is him, we say, are you Chris. His family says he usually responds yes,” said Drew.

Family members say a tip came in that Christopher was seen near the soccer complex walking the rain. Those in the search party will split into groups searching the riverwalk, Propst Park and surrounding areas.

After seeing the response from the friendly city, the family says they couldn’t be more grateful.

“I feel so good. Everybody helping. You know they didn’t have to do nothing, but they’re doing it. I love them for it,” said Davis.

So far no plans have been set for a search party Wednesday.

If anyone sees Chris you’re asked to call 9-1-1.

Columbus Police sent a statement late Tuesday night stating they’re investigating a report that Christopher Reed might have been seen inside the Columbus Walmart at 1:15 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Investigators are still checking into it and checking security camera footage.

CPD Public Information Officer, Joe Dillon, said if Reed is found in the the Walmart video, they will release the footage to the public.