Steward was driving a white 2008 Saturn Aura when he was last seen on September 20. His relatives say his I-Pass shows he went through the Touhy Avenue toll booth on I-294 around 5:30 that evening.
A Vernon Hills police officer in the neighborhood recognized the car in a parking lot while on an unrelated call.
Vernon Hills Police and the Lake County State's Attorny's office said they are investigating. They have been searching a large wooded area behind the parking lot, and friends and neighbors have come there looking for news.
"I've just been praying this whole week. I heard the news at church and I'm just in shock. He was a great man and I'm hopeful that he's here with us," said Genevieve Reznicek, friend.
The car was removed and will be searched for any evidence.
