No phone, no wallet, few clues. Public asked to help with search for missing Ashland man
ASHLAND − Searchers combed the city's north side Saturday for signs of a 74-year-old man who went missing Feb. 20, but no traces were found.
Four agencies provided more than 30 personnel in the hunt for Timothy Metcalf, according to Ashland Police Chief David Lay.
"We were in position at 9 a.m. Saturday," Lay said. "Some teams worked until dusk. They covered a lot of ground in the northwest of his house."
The public's help is still needed in the mission, which, as of Monday, had entered its seventh day.
"Tonight would be one week missing," Lay said as the week started.
Tips can be called in at 419-289-1911.
Dogs lost missing man's scent in 1600 block of Cottage Street
Metcalf left his West 12th Street home on Ashland's north side about 8 p.m. Feb. 20 and walked up Cottage Street — police dogs last week lost Metcalf's scent in the 1600 block of Cottage Street.
He left his wallet and cellphone at home.
Metcalf stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 185 pounds. He has gray hair and a gray beard. His eyes are hazel.
He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a navy blue coat.
Family members say Metcalf "has been experiencing a significant amount of stress lately" and they are "concerned for his well-being due to the uncharacteristic behavior."
Brookside Park part of Saturday's search
During Saturday's search, officers looked through Brookside Park, Sandusky Hollow, the area around Ford Drive and along Sandusky Street.
Police also searched along West 12th Street, focusing heavily on the areas to the north and northwest of Metcalf's home.
The investigation was thorough, but the chief cautioned that it doesn't mean it guarantees the man is not in those areas.
"People have missed in those searches before," Lay said. "I would never call any of those areas 100% clear, but I know we worked them hard."
Saturday's mission was a joint effort by Ashland police, the Ashland County Sheriff's Office, Loudonville police and the Ohio Special Response Team.
'Pay attention to abandoned homes'
Police have been receiving tips from the public, and were busy checking them throughout the day Sunday and Monday.
Metcalf could potentially be taking shelter in any property in the city.
"We think, based on behavioral models, that he's probably within a 1-mile radius of West 12th Street," Lay said.
Residents citywide are asked to check security surveillance footage for signs the man may have walked through their area.
Business and property owners can also search their own land for Metcalf, especially if they have any barns, warehouses, or other building rarely used.
"Pay attention to abandoned homes," Lay said. "That would help us out a lot."
Police have several more areas they had planned to check Tuesday, but are hoping the public can provide them with a fresh tip of his whereabouts.
Anyone with information about Timothy Metcalf is asked to call the nonemergency line at 419-289-1911. If Metcalf appears to be in distress, call 9-1-1.
419-564-3508
Twitter: @zachtuggle
ztuggle@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Search for missing Ashland man Timothy Metcalf, 74, turns up empty
