The search for a missing elderly man in Santa Rosa came to a somber resolution today, as Santa Rosa Police Detectives found Richard Cleverly in a creek bed within close range of his home. Cleverly, 79, went missing on Valentine's Day, sparking a widespread community effort to locate him. Details from a Facebook post by the Santa Rosa Police Department shared that he was found at approximately 12:40 p.m. and is now hospitalized in critical condition.
Cleverly's disappearance triggered, a public appeal for assistance after he was last observed at around 3:15 PM on the 4200 block of Thomas Lake Harris Drive. Santa Rosa Police released a description of the man, who was seen wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt on the day he vanished. His case, underscored by the urgent tones of law enforcement and the echoing concerns of the Santa Rosa community, embodies the vulnerabilities that come with advanced age and the fear it stirs in the hearts of those who care for our elders.
In a concerted effort to aid in the search, local volunteers and family members took immediate action, organizing search parties to comb through the surrounding areas. The effort was paralleled by the circulation of Cleverly's image on social media, as concerned citizens shared the post to expand the search's scope. According to a report by Hoodline, police had not provided information regarding Cleverly’s medical condition or any potential foul play related to the incident prior to the discovery.
Sgt. Charles La Sala, who acted as a media contact, was at the forefront fielding inquiries and coordinating the department's response throughout the process. While the immediate crisis appears to have been averted with Cleverly's discovery, the circumstances of his disappearance and how he ended up in a creek bed, remain under investigation. Santa Rosa Police has urged the public to come forward with any further information that might explain the events leading up to the unfortunate turn of events.
