Search for Clio man continues in Doster area (Updated)

The search for a missing Clio man, Willie Pugh, continues.

Barbour County Sheriff LeRoy Upshaw stated Wednesday in a press release that the search is now concentrated in the Doster area of south Barbour County. Pugh, 27, went missing Saturday, Jan. 14, between 7:15 and 7:30 p.m.

Pugh’s vehicle was located on Highway 51 south behind an abandoned mobile home Sunday morning. The clothes and shoes that Pugh was wearing Saturday night were located inside his vehicle and were blood stained. Upshaw stated that foul play is suspected.

Lt. David Morris, who is the lead investigator in the case, said that some evidence has been located in a wooded area, but refused to identify what at this time, for fear of compromising the investigation.

Upshaw stated Tuesday that one person has been taken into custody for questioning, but no arrests have been made.

Morris states that he had requested assistance from that the Barbour County Search and Rescue team. They responded to the area on Tuesday. Also assisting in the search are members of the Elamville Fire Department, Clio Fire Department, Louisville Fire Department, Clayton Fire Department, Clio Police Department and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, Dale County Sheriff’s Office, the tracking team from Ventress Prison, Barbour County EMA, as well as family members and friends of Pugh and citizens.

Morris further stated that the Regional Land and Watch Search Team from Houston County and Sheriff Andy Hughes from Houston County Sheriff’s Office has offered their assistance. They will be reporting to the Doster community on Wednesday. Sheriff Upshaw asks that any citizen who may want to assist in the search report to the Highway 51 South and Doster Road intersection and report to Morris.

Morris states that tips are coming in from the public and that each one is followed up on. Morris asks that the public continue to call in any and all information that they may have, no matter how insignificant the information may seem. One tip may be what helps to locate Pugh, states Morris.

Upshaw asks that the public please continue to be or to become involved. Any information from the public will be investigated and the caller will remain anonymous.  Upshaw thanks the public for their willingness to get involved in the effort to locate Pugh.

Those who may have seen Pugh or his vehicle, a blue 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, are asked to contact the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office at (334) 775-3434.