The Sheriff’s Office is still searching for Jerry Spaulding, 85, missing since Saturday, July 5, when he left his home in the 3000 block of Argentine Road, north of Brophy Road, in Oceola Township.
Jerry Spaulding, 85, is described as a 5-foot 8-inch tall white man with gray hair who weighs approximately 160 pounds. Reported missing by his sister, Spaulding was last seen wearing a green and red western-style shirt, blue jeans, and boots. He may be wearing a hat and have a walking stick with him.
On Sunday July 6, deputies were assisted by Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, Michigan Independent Search and Rescue, and Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit. After searching Spaulding’s 40-acre property and adjacent parcels with ATVs, drones, manned aircraft, and canines he was not located.
Spaulding is an avid walker and known to cover long distances in excess of several miles, which could place him outside of the large area searched on Sunday. The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to check their own private property for Spaulding as it continues to work with his family to help locate him.
The Sheriff’s Office cannot give permission to civilian search groups to enter onto private property; furthermore, the land being searched by law enforcement include densely wooded areas, swamps and thickets, which could lead to injuries to those who are not trained in search and rescue or are not properly equipped.
“We appreciate those reaching out to offer assistance but at this time additional resources are not needed,” said Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy.
Officers are continuing to check areas known to Spaulding with the assistance of his family. Additional aircraft from the civil air patrol will be in the area in the coming days in an attempt to locate Spaulding.
