80 Year Old Male with Dementia in Pope County Remains Missing – updated 12p 12.19 / sched. for update 12.20 – Remains missing – Search has been called off

(WMOK) Metropolis, IL – Pope County Sheriff’s Department dispatch told WMOK around 5 am on Tuesday that Jerry Harris, an 80-year-old male with dementia in Pope County remains missing.

Pope County Sheriff’s Department Jerry Suits advised on Monday afternoon just after 5pm that first responders are looking for an elderly male with dementia in Pope County. The initial release advises that he was at that time believed to be in the area between Golconda and Eddyville – – Possibly along Eddyville Blacktop.

A release from the Illinois State Police further details that Harris went missing from Ruby Yewell Road in Golconda.

Jerry Harris is 5’9”, and weighs approximately 158 lbs. He was last seen wearing a light green coat, blue jeans, gray tennis shoes, camo hat and brown gloves.

Mr. Harris has a condition that places him in danger.

An Endangered Missing Person Advisory has been issued by Illinois State Police.

Rural Pope County Protection District. Captain 702 advised late last night that the search was called off for the night as their emergency responders were exhausted from tirelessly searching and walking through the woods. The Captain said, “we thought this was the best decision to keep our guys safe. this was hard for all of us to do trust me.”

The search was to resume this morning at 8 am with search planes and more K-9 units as well.

Just before noon, the Captain advised that the Assistant Chief on the scene had reported that airplanes are actively searching, as well as multiple dogs from all around and from different states.

The Assistant Chief was very clear that things are busy at the scene and while they appreciate the offers they do not need volunteers on the scene as is protocol due to the search methods being used at this time.

If you see Mr. Harris please call the Pope County Sheriff Dept at 618-683-4321

Your assistance is greatly appreciated – It’s terribly cold and personnel in Pope County hope to get him home safely and quickly.