12/31/2008

Associated Press

St. Louis County police are searching for a bar owner after a message that appears to be a ransom note was found in the parking lot outside his business.

Police said 37-year-old James Kitchell was last seen at 7:25 p.m. Tuesday, leaving Jumpin' Jimmy's bar in the suburb of Bella Villa. His vehicle, keys, cell phone and the note were found in the parking lot.

Police spokeswoman Tracy Panus said the note indicated someone would "be in contact regarding ransom."

Kitchell is described as a 5-foot-11 white man who weighs 230 pounds. He has blonde hair, brown eyes, a fair complexion and a tattoo on his right arm of a red dog. He was wearing a blue pullover wind breaker, jeans and black tennis shoes with green soles.

Authorities ask anyone who sees Kitchell to call 911, or the St. Louis County police at 314-615-5360.