Police and Sheriff’s Office Locate Missing Jacksonville Man After 4-Hour Search

Jacksonville, Oregon– A 71-year-old man who had been reported missing was safely located yesterday by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Search and Rescue (SAR) and Jacksonville Police Department (JVPD) after a four-hour search.

According to a JCSO press release, the man was reported missing at approximately noon near Cottage Street. The Jacksonville Police Department responded to the initial call and subsequently requested assistance from JCSO SAR.

The search operation involved a coordinated effort, including three K9 handler teams, three members of the Bicycle Response Team (BRT), and five ground search personnel utilizing two hasty vehicles. The K9 trailing team secured a scent article and began tracking a possible trail towards the cemetery. Meanwhile, the BRT focused their search along the trail system west of the Britt Festival grounds and along the Rail Trail/OR 238. Ground personnel were deployed to search the surrounding streets and roads near the man’s home.

At around 4:34 PM, a concerned citizen approached the search team and reported seeing the missing man walking along Highway 238, east of Jacksonville. Shortly thereafter, the same citizen located the man and contacted Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO 911) to report the sighting.

The man was found unharmed and was returned safely to his family. The collaborative efforts of the JCSO, JVPD, and the local community were crucial in ensuring a successful outcome.