Family, friends concerned after missing Charlotte man’s vehicle found abandoned on I-85

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is asking for the public’s help as they investigate the disappearance of Eric Byers.

Police were called on Saturday, Jan. 4, around 2:41 p.m. after family members found the 56-year-old’s abandoned vehicle on Interstate 85 northbound just before the weigh station, near the Catawba River.

Relatives reported last seeing and hearing from Byers during the evening of Jan. 3. He told his mother he would see her the next morning and that they would go to her church.

Detectives searched the area where the car was found using K-9s, the CMPD Aviation Unit and both CMPD and CFD boat units.

Byers still has not been found and his family and friends are concerned about him, police said. No other information surrounding his disappearance has been released.

Dozens prayed for Byers’ safe return at Faith Memorial Missionary Baptist Church Tuesday in northwest Charlotte.

“I know my brother’s a good person. He always has been,” his sister, Roberta Byers, said. “It’s a good feeling that everyone can come together, even though it’s circumstances like this.”

They described Byers as happy, very involved with the community and committed to his family.

“He always would answer that phone,” his brother, Benjamin Byers, said. “Yeah, he’s always available, no matter what time -- morning, night.”

Anyone who sees or has information about Eric Byers is asked to call 911, immediately. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Missing Statesville man's Jeep found more than year after disappearance Missing Statesville man's Jeep found more than year after disappearance

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