ASHLAND — On Thursday, a tracking dog picked up the possible trail of Timothy Metcalf, 74, who has been missing since Monday, heading northwest from his home on the north side of Ashland, Ashland Police Division Chief David Lay said.
Police combed his possible path with officers, dogs, drones and ATVs but lost his trail near the 1600 block of Cottage Street. A police dive team explored a nearby pond and also found nothing, Lay said.
Police have also been checking local hotels, transportation services, and surveillance footage for any sign of Metcalf.
On Friday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol searched for Metcalf using its plane, which flew over northwest Ashland and out near the Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center, but they also did not find anything.
“There are no new leads,” Lay said.
Now on the search’s fourth day, police are double checking areas they have already searched while they await the arrival of volunteers from the Ohio Special Response Team, a local search and rescue group.
The volunteers will go over the data police have already gathered and try to pinpoint areas for a “more extensive” ground search, Lay said.
The search may expand outside Ashland County at some point, but right now police are focusing locally because there are no signs Metcalf had access to a vehicle unless someone gave him a ride.
Timothy Metcalf, described by police as 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, with graying hair, beard and hazel eyes, has been missing since he left his home on Monday around 8 p.m. and left his phone and wallet behind.
He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a navy blue coat. He likes to frequent parks and nature preserves in the county.
Metcalf has been under “a significant amount of stress” recently due to family issues, but has not been diagnosed with any medical condition that might have contributed to his disappearance, Lay said.
On Friday, Metcalf’s family released a statement thanking the community “for your prayers, love and support during this challenging time,” as the search for “our Dad, Husband and Grandfather,” continues.
Ashland residents, especially those that live on the north side of the city, should check their surveillance camera footage from 8 p.m. on the Feb. 20 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 21 for signs of Metcalf, Lay said.
