Police suspect foul play in the case of St. Pete man missing for a week

ST. PETERSBURG - St. Petersburg police are asking for the public's help in solving the mystery of what happened to Kevin Lawya.

The 56-year-old was last seen at his home at 2551 15th Avenue North. 

When Lawya failed to show up at work the morning of June 29th at Point Brittany Condos near St. Pete Beach, police say his co-workers grew concerned. 

"He was punctual," said Bill Proffitt with the St. Petersburg Police Department.

Co-workers, according to police, started calling Lawya's phone during the day and never heard back.

One co-worker, who had a key to the house, came to check on Lawya, police say.  Investigators tell ABC Action News Lawya's elderly dog was found inside and there was no sign of a break-in or that a crime had occurred.

The co-worker did note that Lawya's 2009 Toyota Tacoma truck was not in the driveway.

Investigators found Lawya's truck yesterday in the 800 block of Union Street South and there were signs of foul play inside.  Police would not elaborate on what evidence they found in the truck.

Lawya also failed to show up for work on July 2.

"This is a mystery right now," Proffitt added.

Investigators returned to the neighborhood today and passed on missing person fliers with Lawya's photo along with a picture of his truck.

Neighbors who knew Lawya said they last saw his truck parked in the driveway the night of June 28.

"He was quiet," said Sam Bohn, Lawya's next door neighbor.  "He kept to himself."

Police told ABC ACTION News a friend of Lawya's is now caring for his beloved dog.

Anyone with any information regarding Lawya's whereabouts is asked to call the St. Petersburg Police Communications center at 727.893.7780 or Detective Furst at (727) 893-7252.