Update: Missing Redmond man found in Warm Springs

Redmond police turned to the public Thursday for help in finding a 73-year-old man who suffers from dementia and left his home at the wheel of an SUV.

They later reported his Dodge Durango had been found off Highway 26 in Clackamas County, west of Mt. Hood — but no sign of him. A short time later, he was reported found in Warm Springs, according to Redmond police Lt. Keith Knight.

Knight said concerned citizens who use social media helped resolve the incident successfully.

Police had responded shortly before 11 a.m. to 2842 SW Juniper Avenue on a report of a missing person, Knight said.

Officers learned that Robert Lee Stofle suffers from dementia and “his present condition requires constant medical attention,” Knight said.

Stofle left his home around 10:20 a.m. and last was seen in a white 1999 Dodge Durango with Oregon license plates XGE369.

Around 2 p.m., the SUV was found in Clackamas, off Highway 26, Knight said. He was not with the vehicle.

As Redmond police were working with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office came word Stofle had been found in Warm Springs by two sisters who brought him to Madras. Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies were heading to Redmond with Stofle, to reunite him with his family, Knight said.

Stofle did not have his dentures with him, and was reported to be hard of hearing, the lieutenant said.

We’ll have more details on NewsChannel 21 later tonight.

“The Redmond Police Department would like to pass on to family and friends who have or know of persons dealing with dementia that there are local resources available,” Knight wrote.

“Ways of reducing dangers of loved ones or friends who may wander can include securing the home with hard to access door and window locks, install outside fence with secured gates, use monitoring devices such as bracelets with radio transmitters, involve neighbors, provide adequate supervision, and others. If you know of a person who has dementia and they do wander away call your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible.”