UPDATED: Police identify ‘person of interest’ in Harris case

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City police say noted community activist and resident Lenwood Lenny Harris has been missing since Wednesday and is believed to be in danger.
    
Harris, 53, was last seen at the Charles Houston Recreation Center about 9 p.m. His older brother, Sherman, said Harris took a call from an unknown individual about that time and left to meet with the caller. 
    
When he didnt return home by 7:30 the next morning, the family realized something was wrong. Its not like him to disappear without letting anyone know, Sherman said. Authorities found his cell phone on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge later in the day. 
    
When he vanished, Harris was driving a light blue Toyota Corolla with Virginia tags. Police describe him as about 6-foot-1, 210 pounds with dark hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray sweat top and sweat pants, police say. 
    Authorities released a description of a “person of interest” in the missing persons case Monday afternoon. Described as a mustachioed black man with a muscular build, boasting a small goatee and tattoos on his right and left forearm, the unidentified individual used Harris’ credit card on King Street about 1 a.m. September 22, police say.

They wont describe the nature or the severity of the danger Harris faces its part of the ongoing investigation, said police department spokeswoman Ashley Hildebrandt. Sherman likewise declined to go into specifics. Hes optimistic they will find his brother alive, but fears the worst.
    
We know hes in danger, we dont know if theyve already killed him. Were just praying that somebody has seen him and they havent killed him, Sherman said. I just believe that hes still alive The only way Im going to believe hes dead is if the police tell me and I see his body.
    
The familys been inundated with phone calls since a false rumor claiming police had recovered Harris body and car spread around the Internet, he said. 
    
The family is tentatively planning a vigil for 5 p.m. Sunday at the Charles Houston Recreation Center. Sherman thanked friends and well-wishers for their prayers and support since the missing persons report went public. 
    
Though Harris has long been a fixture in Alexandria, the longtime resident, husband and father garnered attention during a community dispute between Chatham Square residents and their neighbors earlier in the year. Harris led a community meeting in response to allegations crime was on the rise in the neighborhood.
    
Until they find him, his family is taking solace in their faith, Sherman said. 
    
Whatever happens, we are a praying family and we believe that whatever the decision God makes, Hes touching our family, he said. Whatever decision He makes were OK with. Well be OK with whatever God will do. 
    
Authorities urge anyone with information about Harris whereabouts contact the police department at 703-746-4711 or 703-838-4444.

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