Search continues for missing man

CLARK FORK — Authorities in Bonner County are seeking access to phone and bank records in a bid to ascertain the whereabouts of a local man who disappeared earlier this month.

David A. Xanatos was last seen on July 12. A concerned friend subsequently reported him missing.

“He didn’t show up for work, which was unusual,” said Bonner County Undersheriff Ror Lakewold.

Xanatos, 37, was last seen in the Clark Fork area. His vehicle, a blue 1998 Chevrolet pickup truck with Bonner County tags, has also not been located.

By all available accounts, Xanatos is a private individual with survivalist skills and a very low-key social profile.

“He had roommates he lived with, but they didn’t have a real close relationship with him so there wasn’t a lot of communications about his comings and goings with anyone,” Lakewold said.

Lakewold said initially there were a number of leads and possible sightings of Xanatos, although none of them panned out.

Sheriff’s deputies on Tuesday scoured the shorelines of the islands and shoreline off Johnson Creek on Lake Pend Oreille, in addition to areas along the Clark Fork River. There was no sign of Xanatos, however.

Bonner County Prosecutor Louis Marshall said subpoenas have been filed to see if banking or phone activity records can shed light on Xanatos’ whereabouts.

Meanwhile, conventional efforts to reach Xanatos by phone have been fruitless.

Lakewold said the last ping on Xanatos’ mobile phone was inconclusive. The accuracy of the ping was given a medium to low confidence rating as to the actual location.

“That could have been pass-by activity. We don’t know if he was parked or moving when that happened,” he said.

Lakewold said the absent pickup truck is complicating further ground searches for Xanatos.

Investigators and Xanatos’ associates do not believe foul play is afoot at this point. Lakewold said it’s entirely possible Xanatos dropped off the grid by his own volition.

“There’s the absolute possibility that he’s not here by choice,” Lakewold said.

Those who care for Xanatos are nonetheless worried about his absence and hope he turns up.

“He may not realize it, but he means a lot to people,” said Krissy Johnson.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.