(Newark, DE 19711) — On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at approximately 9:19 p.m., patrol officers with the New Castle County Division of Police were dispatched to the Hillstream development in Newark for a report of a missing elderly male.

It was reported that a 73-year-old man had left his residence and had not been seen for more than an hour. Multiple officers quickly responded to the area and initiated a search of the development and surrounding neighborhoods. Aviation was unable to assist at the time with the severe weather in the area.

During the search, an officer located the man on Doe Run Road, where he was struggling to climb out of a roadside ditch. Officers immediately rendered assistance, and the man was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for evaluation due to exposure to rain and the elements.

We’re grateful for the quick response of the officers working the road last night who brought this search to a safe outcome.

If you have family members who may be at risk of wandering, here are a few helpful tips:

• Keep doors and windows secured when possible.
• Install a smart doorbell or alarm that chimes when a door is opened.
• Consider ID bracelets or GPS-enabled devices for easy location.
• Let neighbors know so they can help keep an eye out.
• Keep a recent photo and medical information on hand to share quickly with first responders.

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