LYNCHBURG, Va. – UPDATE
An 86-year-old Lynchburg man has been found safe after being reported missing on Thursday, according to the Lynchburg Police Department.
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Jerry Butler was reported missing around 1 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, and crews were actively searching for him for several hours.
During their search and investigation, LPD said they learned a citizen picked Butler up not far from his home.
We’re told Butler asked the citizen to take him to see family in North Carolina and the citizen agreed, then started on the trip.
Police say once the citizen was made aware that the authorities were searching for Butler, who had been reported missing, they contacted his family in both North Carolina and Lynchburg.
The Coats Police Department in North Carolina helped to reunite Butler with his family in North Carolina, according to LPD.
The citizen cooperated fully with law enforcement during the course of the investigation, officers said.
LPD extended their thanks to the community, Lynchburg Sheriff’s Office, Lynchburg Fire Department, Lynchburg Department of Emergency Services, Virginia State Police, the City of Lynchburg, and the media for their help in locating Butler.
ORIGINAL STORY
The Lynchburg Police Department is searching for an 86-year-old Lynchburg man with dementia who was reported missing on Thursday afternoon.
On May 11, 2023, at 1:02 p.m., police said they responded to the 200 block of Old Graves Mill Road for a report of a missing person.
Authorities said 86-year-old Jerry Butler, has been missing since around 1:02 p.m., and is considered endangered because, according to his family, he has dementia.
In an update, LPD said he may have been seen around 1 p.m. near the Family Dollar in the 7000 block of Timberlake Road.
Butler was last seen with a bandage on his right arm, in short sleeve blue shirt, blue shoes with white soles, and holding a jacket, police said. He is around 140 pounds and has “salt and pepper” hair with a grey mustache and blue eyes.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Lynchburg Police Department at 434-455-6050 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900. You can also enter an anonymous tip online or use the P3 app on a mobile device.