A critical missing person alert has been issued for an elderly man last seen in Auburn, Washington. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) activated a Silver Alert, asking the public for immediate help in locating 86-year-old Charles DeMontigny, who has been missing since early Sunday morning.
The urgency of the situation is paramount, as authorities are concerned for Mr. DeMontigny’s safety. He was last seen at approximately 7 a.m. on Sunday, November 30, in the vicinity of an LA Fitness gym in Auburn. When a person of this age, who may be suffering from a medical condition like dementia, goes missing, time is truly of the essence.
The WSP is providing a detailed description to assist anyone who might spot Mr. DeMontigny or his vehicle. Charles DeMontigny is described as having white hair and brown eyes. At the time he was last seen, he was wearing tan sweat pants and a distinctive turquoise track jacket.
A Key Piece of the Puzzle: The Vehicle
One of the most important clues for the public to watch for is his vehicle. Mr. DeMontigny drives a 2011 Ford, and the license plate number is B3550S. In Washington State, the Silver Alert system relies heavily on vehicle information. This detail allows the WSP to utilize digital message signs and highway advisory radio messages, which can broadcast the vehicle’s description and plate number across a wider area to drivers.
The Washington Silver Alert is specifically designed to bring attention to missing persons who are 60 years of age or older and who are believed to be in danger because of age, physical or mental health, or weather conditions, preventing them from returning to safety without assistance. The criteria Mr. DeMontigny meets underscores the severity of the situation and the critical need for a community-wide search effort.
Auburn is a bustling city in King County, near the intersection of major roadways. While the alert was initially focused on the area near where he was last seen, it is possible Mr. DeMontigny could have traveled a significant distance in his Ford since Sunday morning.
Authorities stress that even a sighting that seems insignificant could be the piece of information that brings Mr. DeMontigny home safely. If you are driving or walking through the area and see a man matching the description, or if you spot a 2011 Ford with the license plate B3550S, law enforcement asks that you do not approach the individual but instead call 911 immediately. Every hour that passes increases the risk, and the safety of the community’s vulnerable population depends on the quick action of its citizens.
Please share this information with friends and family, especially those who live or work between Auburn and the surrounding communities. Your vigilance could make all the difference in this developing situation.