LYNNWOOD – A 74-year-old man who reportedly suffers from dementia remains missing three days after he walked away from a nursing home.
Nelson Cook, who goes by the nickname Oscar Jolly, was last seen at the home in the 600 block of 144th Place SW about 3:50 p.m. Monday. All he had with him was $50 in an envelope, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Rich Niebusch said.
Search and rescue crews, a helicopter and dog teams were used to hunt for Cook near his nursing home. The search was suspended about 1 a.m. Tuesday.
Investigators hope someone sees Cook and recognizes him from news reports, Niebusch said.
His description has also been sent to several police departments in the region.
“At this point, due to the fact that the immediate-area search did not locate him, what we’re doing is relying on other resources to locate him,” Niebusch said.
Cook reportedly has the mental ability to survive on his own. He doesn’t have a car, but may have boarded a bus.
Investigators fear he may become confused if he doesn’t take his required medication. He likely doesn’t have medication with him, Niebusch said.
“We’re concerned that because he’s been off of his medication for this much time, that each day it may become more difficult for him,” Niebusch said.
Cook reportedly told a caregiver at the nursing home that he wanted to go to a VA hospital in Seattle, or to the Port Angeles area, Niebusch said. Cook has no immediate family nearby.
“We think he’s out of the immediate area,” Niebusch said.
Cook is described as white, 5 feet, 6 inches tall and 220 pounds. He has white hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a gray T-shirt, black pants and brown shoes.
Anyone who sees Cook should call 911. People should not attempt to confront him because he may become upset, Niebusch said.
Reporter Scott Pesznecker: 425-339-3436 or spesznecker@heraldnet.com.
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