Police seek public's help finding Elgin man

Police are looking for a missing Elgin man who hasn't been heard from since Tuesday.

Elgin police asked for the public's help Thursday night to find 22-year-old John Cotton Jr., who has been missing since 8 a.m. Tuesday from his home on the 1400 block of Knotty Pine Drive.

Authorities said Cotton's unoccupied vehicle was found about 9 p.m. Tuesday in Stevenson County, which is west of Rockford. Illinois State Police conducted an "extensive aerial and ground search" where Cotton's vehicle was found but were unable to find him, according to an Elgin Police Department news release.

Police say they have pursued other leads that suggest Cotton was in Mount Morris, Illinois, and Epworth, Iowa, after he was reported missing.

Cotton is about 5 feet 11 inches tall and 220 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair.

Those who may have information are asked to call police at (847) 289-2700.