Hang on while we load the rest of the page...
 
 

Search for Missing Norristown Man Continues

Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue and a local Boy Scout Troop have joined the search.

 

Authorities are still searching for John Smith, the 73-year-old Norristown man who went missing early Thursday morning.

Norristown Police are now being assisted by Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue (GPSR), a professional search team of trained men and women using canine partners and teams on bicycles. A local Boy Scout Troop has also joined the search effort. GPSR has set up a command center across from Norristown Municipal Hall at 235 East Airy Street.

According to Mark Hopkins with GPSR, the group is searching wooded areas and parks again (the team was in town on Saturday doing the same) and is expanding the search to surrounding neighborhoods. Because Smith could still be moving, it's important to recheck areas that have been searched on previous days, said Hopkins.

"Usually on the second day, people get comfortable with you," said Hopkins. "Once the realize we're not law enforcement people will come up and give us tips."

It's also possible that Smith has left the Norristown area, said Hopkins.

"This being a transportation hub, it's very easy he's moved out of the area," said Hopkins. "What we're doing is making sure he's not injured or in some other state in this immediate area... We're investigating anywhere he could have possibly [gone.]"

Smith suffers from Alzheimer’s and was reported missing from his home in the 500 block of Arch Street at 7 a.m. Thursday morning.

Smith is described as 6’ tall, 180 lbs. with salt and pepper hair. He was last seen wearing a black fleece sweatshirt and black pants. Smith usually wears eyeglasses.

Anyone with information about his possible whereabouts should contact the Norristown Police Department at 610-270-0977.

GPSR will continue the search until sundown.

Related Topics: Arch Street, John Smith, Missing Man, Police, and Search

Dynamo47

7:12 am on Monday, March 11, 2013

Hoping and praying for his safe return to his family and loved ones

Reply

Leave a comment

 
 
 
 

Your town. Mobilized.

Download Patch for iPhone or Patch Places for Android.

Learn more 

Own a local business?

Stay in touch with customers by claiming your free Patch listing.

Learn more 

Advertise on Patch

Build community trust in your local brand with game-changing tools for any budget.

Learn how