Body of Wendell father found with car off New Bern Ave. in Raleigh

On Sunday evening around 5 p.m., Gregory Thomas’ 2012 dark gray Honda Civic was located in a wooded area in Raleigh near New Bern Ave and Interstate 440. A body found with the car was positively identified as Thomas, and family members, who had been searching all weekend, were notified.

On Monday, Thomas’ sister posted the news on her Facebook page, writing, "It is with a heavy heart to make this update. My brother was found and identified. Although our hearts are heavy, minds are confused, vision is blurred, and emotions unbalanced ... we want go to take a minute to thank you and acknowledge you all for the tremendous out pour and community support from all over."

Thomas had three young children, ages 4, 2 and 4 months. He didn't show up to work Thursday morning after phone calls with his fiancée and supervisor. Thomas told them he was headed to work at Comfort Monster Heating and Air on Corporation Parkway.

Family members said Thomas' phone last pinged on Sunnybrook Road near WakeMed, which is just down the road from where the car was recovered, before it died. They told WRAL News they were concerned that Thomas was driving in heavy rain on Thursday morning and were worried his car could have gone off the road.

Family members contacted the Wendell Police Department, organized search parties and spent days looking for Thomas, posting updates on social media before the body and car were recovered.

The owner of Comfort Monster, Thomas' employer, told WRAL News the company will be setting up a college fund for Thomas' children.

Wake family concerned after man goes missing during heavy rain, doesn't show up to work

Sunday's investigation is also near the intersection of New Bern Avenue and New Hope Road, which saw a crash and shootout on Thursday afternoon.

Police: Man set fire to his own home before leading police on chase, firing shots at officers

Knightdale police said Willie Jerome Daniels, 39, came to a Country Hearth Inn on Money Drive and knocked on several doors trying to find his wife.

When he was unable to find his wife, police said Daniels returned to his home on Gaby Lane, shattered the windows of the home and set it on fire. Police spotted Daniels car as they investigated a shooting on Brockton Drive in Raleigh, then followed him to the intersection of New Bern Avenue and New Hope Road, where he crashed, then got out of his car and fired at police.