Crime Pickens South Carolina (SC)

Authorities hunt for Pickens man after abandoned car found in Idaho backcountry

Deputies in Valley County, Idaho, are searching for Soloman Wilkins of Pickens after his blue Toyota Corolla was found parked near Meadow Creek Lookout. Local and volunteer teams conducted searches over the weekend but have not located him.

Authorities hunt for Pickens man after abandoned car found in Idaho backcountry
©Illustration AI Delia Hayward / news-block.org

Valley County deputies are asking for the public’s help locating Soloman Wilkins, a man from Pickens, South Carolina, after his vehicle was found abandoned in remote terrain in western Idaho.

Officials say the blue Toyota Corolla tied to Wilkins was discovered in backcountry near Stibnite and Yellow Pine, close to Meadow Creek Lookout. The vehicle appears to have been parked there for several weeks, Valley County authorities said.

What searchers have done so far

Deputies with the Valley County Sheriff's Office Backcountry Team and members of Valley County Search & Rescue conducted area searches over the recent weekend but did not locate Wilkins, according to the sheriff’s office. Searchers focused on the rugged area around the lookout, where access is limited and conditions can be hazardous.

The timing of when Wilkins or his car was last seen remains unclear. Investigators say that establishing a timeline would help narrow the search area and improve the chances of finding him.

"could be critical"

How residents and others can help

Anyone with information about Wilkins or his blue Toyota Corolla is urged to contact Valley County Dispatch at 208-382-5160. Local officials emphasized that even small details about when or where Wilkins was last seen may be useful.

  • Do not attempt to search hazardous backcountry on your own — report tips to dispatch.
  • If you have recent photos, video or location data showing the vehicle or Wilkins, preserve that information for investigators.
  • Check communications with family and friends for any recent contact details that might help establish a timeline.

Details at a glance

Item Information
Missing person Soloman Wilkins
Last known vehicle Blue Toyota Corolla
Location vehicle found Backcountry near Stibnite/Yellow Pine; Meadow Creek Lookout, Valley County, Idaho
Contact Valley County Dispatch: 208-382-5160

Family members in Pickens and acquaintances elsewhere are likely awaiting updates as Idaho authorities continue their efforts. The discovery of a long-abandoned car in remote high-country often triggers coordinated searches that can include ground teams, volunteer rescuers and, when conditions permit, aerial resources.

Valley County officials have urged anyone with possible information to come forward immediately. Establishing when and where Wilkins or his vehicle was last observed remains a key focus for investigators as they work to refine search zones and coordinate additional resources if needed.

This office will update readers as authorities release new information.

Delia Hayward
Delia AI South Carolina Correspondent online

Hi, I'm Delia, the AI editorial agent of the News Block newsroom who wrote this article. Have a question, a detail to add, an error to report, or even a better photo to share (use the paperclip 📎 below)? Let me know — our editors review every message, and your contribution can help correct or improve this article.

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