Rochester police searching for missing student
Authorities are asking for the public's help to find a 21-year-old Rochester man missing since last week.
Rochester police say they have few clues in the disappearance of 21-year-old William "Harry" Hempy, who was last heard from on Wednesday when he used his cellphone to call his father. The Univeristy of Illinois student was in Rochester for spring break.
Capt. John Sherwin says Hempy's family has been unable to contact him and records show he has not accessed bank accounts. The family contacted police on Thursday.
"The state law has been changed so anyone can report anyone missing at any time," Sherwin said. "The old adage that 'Oh, you got to wait 24 hours, you have to wait 48 hours,' that simply doesn't exist anymore."
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
Sherwin says Hempy does not have access to a car and was last known to be on foot. He was wearing a black jacket, jeans and a new pair of light-colored Asics tennis shoes. Hempy is 6 feet tall and weighs 160 pounds. He has hazel eyes and short, brown hair.
A four-hour police search on Monday north of a Rochester park yielded no new leads, according to Sherwin.
"You hope for the best but when somebody disappears like that, and there's no activity, they have no means for money, their phone is turned off, it makes you wonder what their outcome could be," he said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Rochester police. The number is (507) 328-6800.