Seattle man found safe in Port Townsend after Silver Alert

76-year-old evaluated, cleared to return to family

PORT TOWNSEND — A 76-year-old Seattle man has been found safe in Port Townsend after a Silver Alert was issued for him.

The Seattle Police Department issued the alert, an endangered missing persons advisory, at 4 a.m. Monday.

Wyatt Wood, who reportedly suffers from a history of heart problems, diabetes and dementia, was found just after 11 a.m., according to a news release from the State Patrol.

Wood had been last seen leaving his Seattle home on Sunday afternoon, according to the news release.

A Silver Alert is similar to an Amber Alert except the person is 60 or older, and they might be in danger because of age, physical or mental health, or severe weather conditions and not able to return to safety without assistance, the State Patrol reported.

After the alert was issued, several citizens called 9-1-1 and reported seeing a yellow 2001 Nissan Xterra similar to the one Wood was believed to be driving. One caller placed the vehicle in Port Townsend.

State Trooper Jamieson Hodgson and Port Townsend Police Department Detective Jon Stuart responded and identified Wood at a coffee shop within the Northwest Maritime Center. Wood told officers he checked into a Port Townsend hotel Sunday night and turned his cellphone to airplane mode.

Due to his health history, Wood agreed to receive a medical evaluation. Officers advised Wood’s caretaker and family members, who agreed he could drive home.

“Thank you to those citizens who were alert and proactive in calling 9-1-1,” state patrol District 8 Capt. James Mjor stated in the news release. “Through expediting accurate information by way of our social media and news outlets, we continue to recognize positive conclusions from our involved citizens — the key stakeholders in our ‘Alert’ programs — and appreciate their efforts in helping us locate those vulnerable that go missing.”

The endangered missing persons advisory plan was incorporated into state law in June 2010. For an alert to be issued, the reporting party must have enough information to help with the recovery of the missing person. If enough information is available, the incident can be reported to and investigated by law enforcement.

The alert disseminates information about the person to the media, public and local law enforcement agencies with the goal of safe return as quickly as possible.

More in News

Ellen White Face, left, and Dora Ragland enjoy some conversation after finishing a Christmas dinner prepared by Salvation Army Port Angeles staff and volunteers. The Salvation Army anticipated serving 120-150 people at its annual holiday meal on Tuesday. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
Hundreds served at annual Salvation Army dinner

Numbers represent growing need for assistance, captain says

Jefferson separates prosecutor, coroner roles

Funeral director hired on one-year basis

Public concerned about hospital partnership

Commenters question possible Catholic affiliation

Sylvia White of Port Townsend is making a major gift to the nonprofit Northwind Art. (Diane Urbani/Northwind Art)
Port Townsend artist makes major gift to Northwind

Artist Sylvia White, who envisioned an arts center in… Continue reading

Skaters glide across the Winter Ice Village on Front Street in downtown Port Angeles. The Winter Ice Village, operated by the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce, is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. through Jan. 5. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Fresh ice

Skaters glide across the Winter Ice Village on Front Street in downtown… Continue reading

Paranormal investigator Amanda Paulson sits next to a photo of Hallie Illingworth at Lake Crescent, where Illingworth’s soap-like body was discovered in 1940. Paulson stars in a newly released documentary, “The Lady of the Lake,” that explores the history of Illingworth’s death and the possible paranormal presence that has remained since. (Ryan Grulich)
Documentary explores paranormal aspects disappearance

Director says it’s a ’ Ghost story for Christmas’

Funding for lodge in stopgap measure

Park official ‘touched by outpouring of support’

Wednesday’s e-edition to be printed Thursday

Peninsula Daily News will have an electronic edition on… Continue reading

Joe Nole.
Jefferson County Sheriff Joe Nole resigns

Commissioners to be appoint replacement within 60 days

Residents of various manufactured home parks applaud the Sequim City Council’s decision on Dec. 9 to approve a new overlay that preserves manufactured home parks so that they cannot be redeveloped for other uses. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Sequim preserves overlay for homes

Plots can be sold, but use must be same

A ballot box in the Sequim Village Shopping Center at 651 W. Washington St. now holds two fire suppressant systems to prevent fires inside after incidents in October in Vancouver, Wash., and Portland, Ore. A second device was added by Clallam County staff to boxes countywide to safeguard ballots for all future elections. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Political party officials fine with Clallam’s loss of bellwether

With election certified, reps reflect on goals, security

For 20-plus years, Bob and Kelly Macaulay have decorated their boat and dock off East Sequim Bay Road for Christmas, seen here more than a mile away. However, the couple sold their boat earlier this year. (Doug Schwarz)
Couple retires Christmas boat display on Sequim Bay

Red decorations lit up area for 20-plus years