Police in New York believe University of Rochester professor Heikki Rantakari is endangered after he vanished before a scheduled Saturday class at the University of Rochester.
ABC News reports that police said 44-year-old Rantakari was last seen Friday night after arriving at an Airbnb near the school campus; he arrived in Rochester from Boston. The university reported him missing when he failed to show up to his Saturday morning class.
Rochester police are treating his disappearance as suspicious based on his lack of contact and missing his class, although no other details were given as to why they think he could be in danger.
“We did find evidence that he was there, so we do know he did check into his Airbnb on Friday,” Rochester Police Capt. Greg Bello told ABC 13. “Now it’s a matter of what happened from there, and that’s what we’re trying to track down.”
“Obviously, it’s concerning that he flew here for a specific meeting, to teach a specific class or multiple classes, and has not shown up for them — which is what we’re told is far outside his norm.”
Police added that Rantakari, an associate professor of economics and management, didn’t have a car but the Airbnb was within walking distance of the campus.
“He’s got a family back in Boston, and obviously they’re concerned about him as well, and that’s what were trying to resolve here and figure out what happened,” Bello added. “We need that public assistance. We need that help getting the message out so we can confirm he’s OK.”
Rantakari is described as a white male who stands 5 feet 11 inches tall, according to family members.
We are seeking the public's help in locating 44-year old Heikki Rantakari. He was last seen on Friday in the 1000 block of Exchange St. We believe that he may be in danger and anyone with information is encouraged to call 911. pic.twitter.com/ecEngd56gv
— Rochester NY Police (@RochesterNYPD) October 24, 2023
“We thank all local law enforcement agencies and the University of Rochester’s Department of Public Safety in supporting this investigation,” a statement from the school, in part, read. “We’re asking for the public’s support in reporting anything that relates to Professor Rantakari’s whereabouts by calling 911. The University is hopeful that he is found safe very soon.”
Anyone with information on Rantakari’s whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact the Rochester Police Department’s Major Crimes unit at 428-7157.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Family Handout]
