CLARKSBURG, WV — Authorities are still looking for James Terry Cogle Jr., a 58-year-old Harrison County man who was reported missing over the weekend. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office Detective Unit asked for the public’s help on Saturday after issuing an alert in the case.
By Monday, Chief Deputy Rob Waybright said investigators had not received any new developments. The search remains active, but officials have not announced additional details about where Cogle was last seen or what may have led to his disappearance.
The case has now drawn attention across north-central West Virginia as deputies continue to ask residents to be alert and share any information that could help locate him.
What deputies say about James Terry Cogle Jr.
Investigators described Cogle as a white man with gray hair and brown eyes. He is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 230 pounds, according to the sheriff’s office description.
Those details are being circulated as deputies try to narrow the search area and identify possible sightings. Officials have not said whether Cogle was believed to be on foot, in a vehicle, or with anyone else when he went missing.
The sheriff’s office is relying on the public description while the detective unit continues its work. At this point, the department has only said that no fresh leads had been reported as of Monday.
Harrison County investigators ask residents to stay alert
The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office released the request for assistance after Cogle was reported missing, signaling that investigators wanted help quickly from anyone who may have seen him. That kind of public appeal often reaches people who live, work or travel through the area and may not realize what they observed matters.
Officials did not provide a timeline for when Cogle was last confirmed to be safe. They also did not announce any suspected foul play or give any indication that a crime had been identified in the disappearance.
For now, the message from deputies is simple: keep watch and report anything relevant. The case remains in the hands of Harrison County investigators.
Marion County is included in the search area
Investigators said Cogle may also frequent the Marion County area, expanding the places where someone may have noticed him. That detail suggests deputies are not limiting their attention to Harrison County alone.
Residents in nearby communities may be especially useful if they have recently seen someone matching his description. Even a small tip can help investigators rule out locations or connect sightings that otherwise would not be linked.
Authorities have not said whether they have followed up on any particular leads in Marion County. They also have not announced any search teams, ground operations or other special efforts beyond the public request.
How to contact the sheriff's office with information
Anyone with information about Cogle’s location is being asked to call the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office at 304-626-4900. Deputies have not listed any alternate contact method in the alert they made public.
Officials are encouraging people to share anything that could help, even if it seems minor. Descriptions, travel patterns, recent sightings or other details may help investigators piece together where Cogle went.
As of Monday, however, the sheriff’s office said there were still no new updates. The public tip line remains the main way investigators want to hear from anyone who may know more.
Why the case is drawing local concern
Missing-person cases often move slowly at first, especially when investigators have limited information to release. In this case, the lack of new developments by Monday means the public alert remains the clearest sign that deputies are still trying to locate Cogle.
The details released so far are basic but important: his age, his appearance, the county where he was reported missing and the neighboring area he may frequent. Those are the facts the sheriff’s office is using to keep the search active.
For residents, the request serves as a reminder to check whether they have seen anyone matching the description. For investigators, it keeps the case in front of the public while the search continues.
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