Community relief came as the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed that Frank Melton, an 81-year-old man reported missing from Wilson County, was found safe late yesterday night in Lebanon. Melton, whose disappearance had triggered a Silver Alert due to a medical condition that "may impair his ability to return safely without assistance," has been safely located, providing closure to an ordeal that began early yesterday. Initial reports from WSMV confirmed the cancellation of the Silver Alert following Melton's safe return.
Before he was found, details circulated about Melton's last known whereabouts and his physical description. He was last seen yesterday in Lebanon and is described as 6′1″ tall, weighing 180lbs, with grey hair and hazel eyes. The TBI had also identified that he might have been driving a white Toyota Camry bearing the TN tag DV29912. According to a post from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's X account, members of the public were urged to assist in locating Melton.
#TNSilverAlert: We need your help finding Frank Melton who is missing from Wilson County.
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) March 8, 2025
The 81-year-old is 6'1", 180 lbs. with grey hair and hazel eyes.
He was last seen on March 7th in Lebanon.
Spot him? Call 1-800-TBI-FIND!
1X pic.twitter.com/XAnvAbs2m7
While the Silver Alert was active, WKRN shared additional specifics about the vehicle, reporting that Melton could be driving a 2014 white Toyota Camry, providing potentially vital information to those involved in the search. The TBI reiterated in a social media post that Melton's medical condition underscored the urgency of the alert.
Despite the potential for disarray that a situation of this nature can invoke, the community response, coordination between the authorities and the public, and swift dissemination of critical details speak to the effectiveness of the Silver Alert system. The Wilson County Sheriff's Office was an integral part of the multi-agency effort, contributing to the positive outcome.
