The car of a Petaluma man, reported missing this week, was found today at the fairgrounds with items inside that are now causing police to label his disappearance as "suspicious."
The wife of J. Roy Martinez reported him missing Thursday after last seeing him at home Tuesday when he left for work, according to the Petaluma Police Department.
On Tuesday evening, the woman told police she received a call from Martinez's employer checking on him as he did not arrive at work that day, authorities said.
The missing person investigation began Thursday with broadcasts to area law enforcement agencies, and police noted that Martinez had gone missing for several days in 2012 when he was under stress, but that he later returned.
Two officers today -- Friday -- located his vehicle parked at the fairgrounds in Petaluma, police said.
The vehicle did not appear to be moved recently, and inside officers found his car keys, glasses, wallet and work clothes -- "evidence that Roy may have left under suspicious circumstances," police said.
There were no signs of foul play, and an area search with K-9 Officer Basko turned up nothing, police said.
The investigation is ongoing, and anybody with information regarding J. Roy Martinez is encouraged to contact Petaluma PD at 707.778.4372.
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