Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 77-year-old man after a Silver Alert was issued.
The Butler County Sheriff’s Office said Fred Alvin Dieter was last seen on Saturday evening in rural Augusta, Kansas. Officials said he was seen sometime between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. walking away from his home near Southwest 100th Street and Boyer Road.
According to the sheriff’s office, Dieter left in an unknown direction. At this time, authorities do not believe he is using a vehicle.
Missing Man Last Seen Walking Away From Home
Investigators said Dieter was last observed leaving the area on foot. Because he is believed to be walking, officials are urging people in the surrounding rural area to stay alert and check nearby properties, roadsides, outbuildings, fields, and other places where someone may seek shelter or become disoriented.
The search is especially urgent because Dieter is reported to be in the beginning stages of dementia. Authorities are concerned for his safety and are asking anyone who may have seen him to report information immediately.
Silver Alerts are often issued when an older adult or vulnerable person is missing and may be at risk due to a medical condition, cognitive impairment, or other safety concern.
Description Released By Sheriff’s Office
The Butler County Sheriff’s Office described Fred Alvin Dieter as a 77-year-old white male. He is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 175 pounds.
Officials said he has brown eyes, grey hair, and a beard. When he was last seen, he was wearing a blue shirt and a baseball cap.
Authorities have also released a photo of Dieter to help the public identify him. Anyone who sees a person matching his description is urged not to wait and to contact law enforcement right away.
Dementia Raises Safety Concerns
The sheriff’s office said Dieter has early signs of dementia, which increases concern about his ability to find his way home safely.
People with dementia may become confused, especially in unfamiliar surroundings or after being away from home for an extended period.
They may walk long distances, become unable to explain where they are going, or fail to recognize danger from weather, traffic, or terrain.
Because of those risks, law enforcement officials are treating the search as time-sensitive.
How The Public Can Help
Residents in and around rural Augusta are encouraged to remain observant and report any possible sightings. People should check security cameras, doorbell cameras, barns, garages, sheds, parked vehicles, and areas near tree lines or ditches.
Anyone with information about Fred Alvin Dieter’s whereabouts should contact the Butler County Emergency Communications Center at 316-320-1294. The Butler County Sheriff’s Office can also be reached at 316-322-4254.
A Silver Alert remains active as authorities continue searching for 77-year-old Fred Alvin Dieter, who was last seen walking away from his rural Augusta home on Saturday evening.
Because he is in the beginning stages of dementia and is not believed to be using a vehicle, officials are urging the public to report any sightings or information immediately. Even a small detail could help bring him home safely.