Raleigh man still missing as arrest is made in connection to disappearance
The search for Andy Banks continued Tuesday, as detectives charged a 34-year-old man with felony charges connected to the Raleigh man’s disappearance.
Detectives in Virginia charged Justin Fernando Merritt, 34, with robbery, larceny of motor vehicle and possession of a firearm by convicted felon in connection with the stolen vehicle. He was taken into custody in Danville, Va.
William Anderson “Andy” Banks, 39, went missing Saturday near Cameron Village in Raleigh, where friends said he had gone to sell a silver Range Rover. A 911 caller told a dispatcher that Banks had arranged to meet someone in the parking lot of the former K&W Cafeteria at 2 p.m. and that he would never go six or seven hours without calling.
On Monday, police recovered the Range Rover in Danville, just over the North Carolina line. Several friends searched for Banks in Raleigh and Danville.
Banks enjoyed collecting and restoring cars, driving them for a while and then selling them. Friends said he had several Jeep Wranglers and BMWs.
Also a dedicated Wolfpack fan and N.C. State graduate, he once drove a red 1970s Cadillac.
This story was originally published September 15, 2020 at 11:10 AM.