Police: Missing soldier likely returned to Arkansas

Spc. Joseph E. Putnam, 22, was reported missing after being last seen at a BP station at 1208 Bragg Blvd. at about 4:15 a.m. Tuesday, police said.

Putnam's debit card was used twice later Tuesday to withdraw money from automated teller machines at two Fayetteville convenience stores, police said.

The man who used the card at a Kangaroo station was located Friday, and investigators questioned him. Police later determined the man had used the ATM card with Putnam's knowledge and permission. The individual is no longer considered a person of interest, police said.

Police also said that they had obtained credible evidence indicating that Putnam had returned to Arkansas, and had recently been in contact with friends and family members.

Putnam is assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 82nd Airborne Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team. He was assigned to Fort Bragg in September and had recently graduated from the 82nd Airborne's jump school.

Fayetteville police said they have turned the investigation over to the military and Arkansas authorities.