Search to resume Tues. for missing cop

GLOCESTER, R.I. (WPRI) - Search teams plan to resume looking for a missing Glocester police officer around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Officer Michael Hopton, 47, has not been seen since Saturday. Glocester Police Chief Jamie A. Hainsworth said Hopton did not show up for his midnight shift Sunday.

Hundreds of officers and volunteers have spent the last two days searching for Hopton in Pulaski State Park in Chepachet. State police said Hopton's car was found in the park and he was known to hike and jog there.

State Police said Monday night they had not discovered any concrete clues about Officer Hopton's whereabouts. They said they do have some information about the circumstances of his disappearance, and believe he is somewhere in the park, but would not release those details.

Hopton is a school resource officer at Ponaganset High School, and has been with the Glocester Police for two-and-a-half years. Prior to that, he served on the Smithfield Police Department for 20 years until he retired three years ago at the rank of captain.

Eyewitness News spoke to a member of Hopton's family Monday night, who said State Police have been in constant contact with them throughout the search.

Police are thanking the public for their support, but stress they have enough trained professionals to continue the search.