Vehicle found abandoned in Bayou Vista

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert is concerned for the welfare of a man whose vehicle was found abandoned on the side of U.S. 90 with its engine running.

At about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday a deputy patrolling the Bayou Vista area saw a vehicle parked on the side of the westbound lane of U.S. 90 near Cameron Iron Works, Hebert said.

 The deputy found the vehicle with the engine running.

The driver of the maroon Lincoln four-door sedan, Willie Francis, 23, of Bayou Vista, was not at the scene, Hebert said.

Francis’s last known communication occurred at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to the sheriff.

Because of the circumstances under which the vehicle was found, St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s detectives are investigating the abandoned vehicle as a welfare concern, Hebert said.

In an effort to locate Francis and check on his welfare, detectives are looking for anyone who may have had recent contact with him. Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Mary parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-384-1622 or 337-828-1960.