Authorities are escalating their search efforts for Cornelius Elijah Allen, reported missing from Covington County on February 25, 2024. Allen’s vehicle, a black 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan with Mississippi license plate 910 CVB, was found abandoned on February 26 at the intersection of D.A. Biglane Road and Canal Street in Natchez.
Officers responded to a report of the abandoned vehicle around 1:57 a.m. on February 26, shortly before both Allen and his vehicle were entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. The vehicle was subsequently removed from the site. The following day, on February 27, Allen’s car keys were discovered along the bank of the Mississippi River at the Natchez Port, prompting investigators to broaden their search efforts to include the river and nearby wooded areas.
Search Operations Underway
Search operations resumed early on February 29 at approximately 7 a.m. with the assistance of aerial support. Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten announced that local business owner Tate Hobdy generously provided his aircraft to aid in the search. An investigator flew alongside Hobdy to survey the riverbanks and surrounding terrain from above.
Simultaneously, ground search teams from Adams County Search and Rescue continued their operations along the riverbank. They focused on areas that are inaccessible by vehicle or all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Search teams described the terrain as extremely dense, with heavy brush making the search particularly challenging. Sheriff Patten likened the effort to “finding a needle in a haystack.”
Coordinated efforts have seen search teams alternating coverage of the riverbanks and wooded areas to maximize their reach. “We are doing everything possible to cover as much ground as we can,” Patten stated.
Public Assistance Requested
Authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in maintaining vigilance along the Mississippi River. Sheriff Patten emphasized that while the public is not being urged to join the search, those who are already in the area—such as fishermen, hunters, barge operators, or boaters—should report any unusual findings. “If you observe anything unusual along the riverbanks, in wooded areas, or along the water, please report it immediately,” he urged.
At this stage, aside from the discovery of Allen’s keys, there is no confirmed evidence suggesting that he entered the river. Investigators are considering all possibilities, including the chance that someone may have provided Allen a ride after he left his vehicle in Natchez. “We are asking residents throughout the community to remain alert and aware of their surroundings,” Patten added. “The smallest piece of information could help investigators locate Mr. Allen. If you see something, please say something.”
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Cornelius Elijah Allen is encouraged to contact local authorities. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Southwest Regional Crime Stoppers can be reached at (888) 442-5001.
