MISSING PERSON ALERT: Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Seeks Public’s Help in Search for James Wood
PONCHATOULA, La. (June 28, 2025) — The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) is asking for the public’s assistance in locating James Wood, a 43-year-old Ponchatoula man who has been missing since Saturday, June 21.
According to authorities, Wood was last seen around La 22 Mart, located at the intersection of Highway 22 and Lee’s Landing Road. That was the last confirmed sighting of him. Since then, there has been no contact from Wood, and growing concern surrounds his disappearance.
Investigators report that Wood’s vehicle, house keys, and personal belongings were found undisturbed at his residence in the 40000 block of River Road in Ponchatoula, indicating that he may have returned home after visiting the store. However, despite an ongoing search and outreach to friends, neighbors, and local establishments, no one has seen or heard from him since.
Wood is described as:
•Age: 43
•Height: 5 feet, 8 inches
•Weight: Approximately 148 pounds
•Hair: Brown
•Eyes: Green
The situation is deeply troubling to both law enforcement and Wood’s loved ones, who say this behavior is completely out of character for him. TPSO detectives are pursuing all leads and conducting interviews in an effort to piece together Wood’s last known movements.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker is urging anyone with information — no matter how small or seemingly insignificant — to come forward. “We are asking our community to help bring James home,” Sheriff Sticker stated. “If you saw him, spoke to him, or noticed anything unusual around the time he disappeared, please reach out to our investigators.”
Anyone who may have seen James Wood or has any information about his disappearance is asked to contact the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 985-902-2045. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Sheriff’s Office website or mobile app.
As the search continues, community members are encouraged to remain alert and report any possible sightings. The Sheriff’s Office and Wood’s family are hopeful that with the public’s help, he can be found safe and soon.