An urgent search is underway for an elderly Apex man facing the challenges of cognitive impairment, as reported by the Apex Police Department. John Thomas Smith, 89, was last seen on 108 Licorice Drive in Apex. A Missing Endangered Alert has been circulating since Monday, urgently requesting the community's assistance in locating him.
According to CBS17, Smith was spotted in brown Buick Enclave, possibly headed towards his residence — his whereabouts since then remain unknown. Smith, a Black male with a bald head and brown eyes, stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 180 pounds. His attire at the time included a black jacket, a white t-shirt, and camouflage pants.
Additional details provided by WRAL, describe Smith as last seen wearing not just the aforementioned articles of clothing but also black and brown boots. The vehicle linked to Smith is a 2012 model of the Buick Enclave with a North Carolina license plate number VAP-8285. Another plate number provided by the family, FEV9690, could also be associated with the vehicle in question.
The Apex Police Department used their social media platform to amplify the search, stating, "Smith may be suffering from dementia or another cognitive impairment." Apex Police Department , shared on their official Facebook page, includes Smith's photograph and crucial identifying details. Anyone with information that could lead to John Thomas Smith's safe return to clap their community is strongly encouraged to contact the Apex Police Department at 919-362-8661, or their local law enforcement agency.
