Toronto police have released new photos and information pertaining to the disappearance of a vulnerable senior, who was last seen in Scarborough on Sunday afternoon.
Investigators say Steven, whose last name has not been disclosed, was spotted walking on Birchmount Road, south of Ellesmere Road, just before 3:30 p.m.
Police previously said he was last seen around 2:30 p.m., in the Tam O’Shanter-Sullivan neighbourhood, near Sheppard Avenue East and Birchmount Road.
Steven is described as 80 years old and standing five-foot-six with a slim build and short grey hair that is balding.
He was last seen wearing a navy blue button-down style dress shirt, a navy blue fleece vest, blue jeans, and grey running shoes with white soles.
Police are concerned for his safety as he’s now been missing overnight and was last known to be on foot.
‘Time is of the essence’
“Time is of the essence. All types of resources are being dedicated to finding Stephen, and there are concerns,” Const. Viktor Sarudi told CP24 on Monday afternoon.
“We’ve spoken with the family and Stephen has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s also, just important for the public to know for when they approach him he might not fully understand what’s happening. So, we do ask for people’s compassion if they spot him, and then they call us and we’ll be there to help.”
The media officer said investigators don’t know if Steven is able to get around on the subway, but are urging people to keep an eye out for him in case he is on public transit.
“We’re asking people to be aware. Keep an eye out for him, and if they do see him, due to the urgency of not only his age but the weather and how long he’s been missing, it’s a 911 call to say that you spotted a person that the police are looking for,” Sarudi said.
“Keep an eye out on areas where someone might naturally go for warmth in this type of weather, whether that’s an open shed you might have or a car that was left unlocked, that someone might feel like they can find some sort of refuge in. That’s what we’re asking the public to do.”
Police renew appeal for info Monday night
Speaking with CP24 on Monday night, Const. Stephanie Miceli made a renewed appeal for the public’s help to locate Steven.
She said there’s really no way for police to know how far he may have travelled and urged everyone in the city to “keep your eyes out” for him.
“So we don’t want to just really focus on that one area. We want to say to people in that area, definitely keep your eyes out and check your properties for anywhere that Stephen may have sought shelter, or, you know, maybe seeking shelter tonight, as night has fallen, but as well, for anyone else in the city, just keep your eyes open,” she said.
“Take a look at the photos we’ve released, and if you see Steven or you think you’ve seen him, please call us. Any amount of information could be helpful to move this investigation forward and get Steven home to his family as quickly as possible.”
Miceli said people can approach the senior, if they feel comfortable, and reassure him and let him know they’ve called for help.
“If you don’t feel comfortable, then just kind of keep an eye on where he is and call police to let them know where you are and where you can see Steven,” the constable said.
“So it’s basically whatever the person feels comfortable with, whether they feel comfortable approaching Steven, or if they’d rather just, you know, stay at a distance and call, call for help from there.”
‘A priority situation for us’
Lastly, Miceli said concern is growing as it’s now been more than 24 hours since Steven was seen and he’s not entirely dressed properly for the weather and needs medication for his dementia.
“So obviously those things all combined make this, you know, a priority situation for us, and that’s why we’re really looking for the public’s help in locating Steven,” she said.
“People have been very helpful in these types of investigations in the past and we really just want to have (them) take a look at the photos. Check your properties for anywhere that Steven may be seeking shelter, like garages or sheds, or anywhere else that he may be trying to escape the elements.”
Anyone with further information is asked to contact Toronto police at 416-808-4200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
