Putnam City Teachers Disappearance Causing Concern

When school starts Wednesday for Putnam City, one school will be a teacher short. A popular history teacher at Putnam City High School has been missing now for five days.

Wednesday, August 19th 2009, 7:09 pm

By: News 9


By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- When school starts Wednesday for Putnam City, one school will be a teacher short. A popular history teacher at Putnam City High School has been missing now for five days.

Those who know Mike Knol describe him as one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. He's the kind of teacher that former students come back to see years after graduation. So, his sudden disappearance has many worried something has happened to him.

"I respect him highly, very bright, very passionate person about what he does," family friend Bob Settles said.

Settles has known Mike Knol for about 7 years. He's also friends with Knol's family.

"The family is under a lot of stress. Very, very saddened, they want their brother back," Settles said.

Knol has been a teacher at Putnam City High School for 12 years, and is known for helping at risk students. Last Friday was his first day back at work after the summer break.

"It's my understanding that he left school around noonish last Friday. Not feeling well-- and that was the last time family and friends had contact with him," Settles said.

According to the police report, when Knol didn't return to work on Monday, the school contacted his sister.

Oklahoma City police said she went to his home and found the door wide open-- and his vehicle in the driveway.

"His wallet was there. His keys were there. Nothing appeared to have been forced open or broken into," said Oklahoma City police MSgt. Gary Knight.

When school starts on Thursday, a substitute teacher will take Knol's place. Counselors will also be available for students upset by his mysterious disappearance.

"If students have questions, there's not a lot that we can tell them. Basically, all we can tell them is we don't know where he is and that we hope he comes back safely," said Steve Lindley with the Putnam City School District.

Meanwhile, Knol's family and friends are also trying to make sense of what's happened.

"Mike needs to come home. We just don't know where he is," Settles said.

Oklahoma City police said they've searched Mike Knol's property using dogs and a helicopter, but have had no luck. Police also tried to locate him by "pinging" his cell phone, but the phone is turned off.

If you know anything about Mike Knol's disappearance, call 911 right away.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

August 19th, 2009

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024