The Largo Police Department is urgently calling on the community to aid in the search for Petro Kuqo, an 87-year-old man with dementia, who has been missing since Friday morning. As per WFLA's report, Kuqo was last seen around 9 a.m. as he walked away from his home at The Pointe at Clearwater apartment complex and was captured on camera making his way toward US-19.
Kuqo, an Albanian senior who does not speak English, was described as approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing around 165 pounds, with brown eyes and gray hair. He was last dressed in a gray shirt, dark gray sweatpants, and black shoes. Critically, he did not have his phone, ID, or any money when he left his residence. A large first responder presence has been observed around the apartment complex throughout the weekend, signaling extensive search efforts. FOX 13 News notes that anyone with information regarding Kuqo's whereabouts should contact the Largo Police Department at 727-587-6730.
In furtherance of this search, Largo Police Chief Mike Loux is slated to host a press conference at 2 p.m. today as reported by FOX 13 News. The briefing aims to outline the ongoing search efforts and to implore the community to remain vigilant in looking for the elderly man.
Adding to the concern is the added challenge that Kuqo's condition poses, with dementia potentially disorienting him, making it crucial for a swift response from the community and law enforcement. Tampa Bay 28 also highlighted that local organization We Are the Essentials has joined the search, albeit no new leads or tips have surfaced as of the latest updates.
