Man missing; Lake Benson Park closed through Monday

Garner police were conducting a search for a missing person early Monday at Lake Benson Park.

Posted 10:43 a.m. Apr 20, 2015 — Updated 10:24 p.m. Apr 20, 2015

GARNER, N.C. — Garner police suspended their search Monday evening for a missing man as severe thunderstorms moved into the area.

Police began searching for James Joseph Hipp, 26, of Pamela Drive in Raleigh before dawn Monday after Hipp's car was found at the entrance to Lake Benson Park. Lt. Chris Clayton said officers found evidence inside the vehicle that gave them reason to believe Hipp may have wanted to harm himself.

By 5 p.m., officers had completed a ground search of the park without finding Hipp. They will resume searching the lake on Tuesday, and a decision will be made in the morning about whether to open the park to the public, Clayton said.

Hipp lives with his parents, who told investigators they did not know why his car would be at the park.

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