I bought this iPhone off someone in person and it is locked by the owner and I have tried to contact him and he doesn’t answer so what can I do?

Hello ~ You cannot bypass the activation lock. If you can return it for a refund if not recycle it responsibly. We cannot help and Apple will not in this situation. Take a look here:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Also:

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone

~Katana-San~

I cannot get in contact with him is there anything I can do myself

Unfortunately no, the phone is a brick. We can't help and Apple won't help.

If you cannot get in touch with the seller, there is nothing left to do except recycle the phone.

We suggested that you recycle the phone. This is sounding more and more like the phone did not really belong to the seller. Stolen goods, likely. You don't want your name associated with the phone if that is the case.

Unfortunately, a painful lesson.

The law considers "possession of stolen property" a crime. If you did not know, they usually just collect it and ask who gave it to you. Trying to reclaim some of your money is not wise. Fortunately or unfortunately (depending on which you are) iPhones are usually too low on the ladder of crimes for anyone to prosecute (just ask the owners of phones who have discovered the thief but can get no action from the police).

This is a lesson for you, as we all must learn some things in life the hard way.

Ask the seller for a refund. That iPhone is useless to you.

Regards

Giulio

Keep trying. The phone is a brick otherwise.

Hello ~ Recycle it responsibly.

~Katana-San~

I would not want my name associated with the phone, but it's your call.