JANE BECKERDITE
A Texarkana, Ark., man has been missing since Friday, Aug. 1. Law enforcement officials believe he may have taken a Greyhound bus from Texarkana to Hot Springs, Ark.
James Metcalf Rucker, 77, has a host of health issues. Rucker, who lives alone, suffers from depression, diabetes, is deaf, walks with a limp causing him to need a cane, and has red birth-marks covering both hands and arms.
Rucker left all of his medication at home.
Police have issued a nationwide Silver Alert, which is a public notification system that broadcasts information about missing persons – especially seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other mental disabilities – in order to aid in their return.
Texarkana, Ark., Police Detective Paul Nall said he is confident that Rucker will be located soon.
“We have notified authorities in Hot Springs, Ark. We trust he’ll turn up,” he said.
Silver Alerts use a wide array of media outlets – such as commercial radio stations, television stations, and cable television – to broadcast information about missing persons. Silver Alerts also use variable-message signs on roadways to alert motorists to be on the lookout for missing seniors. In cases in which a missing person is believed to be missing on foot, Silver Alerts have used Reverse 911 or other emergency notification systems to notify nearby residents of the neighborhood surrounding the missing person’s last known location.
Rucker was last seen at 405 E. 51st St. near the Greyhound bus station in Texarkana. He is 5 foot 10 inches tall and weighs 186 pounds. He has hazel eyes and is balding with longer hair in back.
Anyone with information is asked to immediately call the Texarkana, Ark., Police Department at 903-798-3135.
