The Sparta Police Department has successfully located Michael Wilson, a 60-year-old man with a cognitive disability who had been reported missing since Tuesday. Wilson, also known as "Wild Eagle," walked away from his group home in Sparta, Michigan, without his needed medication, sparking concerns for his well-being. News of his disappearance and descriptions, including his preference for being called "Wild Eagle," were circulated widely in hopes of locating him.
Following extensive search efforts, Wilson was found today, according to the police department. In a cooperative search effort with the Kent County Sheriff's Department search and rescue teams, they covered about 4 miles. During the pursuit, a bloodhound picked up Wilson's scent along 13 Mile Road; however, police believe he then received a ride from someone, which took him further from the original location, WZZM13 reported.
Ultimately, Wilson was spotted at Matthew's House in Grand Rapids, leading to his safe recovery. WOODTV's article noted that upon finding Wilson, authorities transported him to the hospital for a health evaluation. The Sparta Police Department expressed its gratitude to the community for the assistance in the search process through a social media post.
The public had been earlier urged to keep a lookout for Wilson and to report any sightings to their local police, or directly to the Sparta Police Department’s office, as he could not care for himself. Wilson is described as standing 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighing about 190 pounds, and is bald on top with white hair on the sides. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt with colorful writing, black pants, and Adidas sandals, and may have had a backpack with him, the Sparta Police Department's post detailed.
