Local authorities have ramped up their search for Tom "Tommie" Douse, a 70-year-old man from Fort Lauderdale who has gone missing, with both a Silver Alert and public calls to help locate him. Last seen on Tuesday evening, Douse is described by Fort Lauderdale Police as standing 5 feet, 4 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds with gray hair and gray eyes; he was witnessed leaving his residence on Lauderdale Manor Drive around 6 p.m., clad in a tan shirt with yellow stripes, blue jeans, and black shoes, as reported by WSVN.
The search for Douse is urgent due to his dementia diagnosis, raising concerns for his well-being. The police have provided information about his likely mode of transportation, a blue 2019 Chevy Silverado with the Florida tag NQHA30; further, law enforcement said his vehicle was spotted by a license plate reader at the 11600 block of NW 22nd Ave in Northwest Miami-Dade, with hope that the public can aid in his safe return, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department shared on X.
#FLPD #SilverAlert 🚨 A Silver Alert has been issued for Tom "Tommie" Douse out of Fort Lauderdale. He may be driving a 2019 Blue Chevy Silverado FL Tag NQHA3. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact police immediately. pic.twitter.com/7UdoKMVGYW
— Fort Lauderdale Police (@ftlauderdalepd) December 15, 2023
The Silver Alert, a system used to inform the public about missing endangered adults, echoes the community's shared responsibility in ensuring the safety of its most vulnerable members. Officials are asking anyone with information regarding Douse's whereabouts to come forward and have stressed the importance of their participation, stating it could make a significant difference in the outcome of such situations.
Concerned members of the public are urged to keep an eye out for the Blue Chevy Silverado and to report any sightings to the police, with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department reachable at 954-828-5700 for any leads related to Douse's disappearance, recognizing that even the smallest piece of information could prove pivotal in ensuring his well-being and return to his community as the hours since his last sighting continue to grow.
