NASCAR Star Uses Car To Help In Search For Missing Big Bear Boy
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A NASCAR star is using his fame to boost the stalled search for a missing Big Bear boy, who vanished 16 years ago.
Kevin Conway's No. 87 car is expected to feature images of JD Phillips on Saturday and a phone number people can call if they have any information which might help San Bernardino County Sheriff's investigators.
"In the case of JD Phillips, it's crazy. He's been missing since 1995 so for us to be able to do something on a national level in front of millions of TV viewers, hundreds of thousands of race fans here at the Auto Club Speedway, it's very cool to be a part of and hopefully we can bring some light to this case," Conway said.
Phillips disappeared Aug. 6, 1995 up in Big Bear near his home. San Bernardino search teams covered 20 square miles closest to Aspen Glen campground where Phillips was last seen playing, but the leads have dried up since.
"It puts everything in perspective. We're here to win races but at the same time, we can accomplish our goals and we're competitive athletes but at the same time, it's an awesome way to be able to give back," Conway added.
KNX 1070's Ed Mertz reports that putting the boy's pictures on the race car means some 4 million people could learn about his disappearance and any calls that are generated will be followed up on.
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"It would mean the world to us to have somebody either call the Crimestoppers or the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and just say 'Hey, we have an idea of something that happened,'" Conway added.
ExtenZe Toyota will feature a different cold case in each city they compete in.
Anyone with information on Phillips' disappearance is asked to contact the Sheriff's Department's homicide detail at 909-387-3589. Anonymous tips can be made to WE TIP at 800-78-CRIME.
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