On February 1, 2018 at about 4:51 pm, Tami Nease reported that her husband, 77-year-old Roy Nease, had left their residence near Taft 7-12 School between 2:30 and 3:00 pm and had not been heard from. Mrs. Nease reported she went looking for him, but was unable to locate him. Officers from Lincoln City Police Department began searching the immediate area and businesses near the residence. By the time Officers had widened their search scope to the trails and access roads in the wooded area east of the Nease’s residence, it had become dark with moderate rain falling. Sergeant Oscar Escalante located Nease at about 7:33 pm on an access road east of his residence. Nease was cold and a little wet from being out in the elements, but was otherwise uninjured. He had gone for a walk without a flashlight, proper clothing, or cell phone. He was unfamiliar with the area, and when it became dark, he was unable to see the road he was on; however, he wisely sat down and waited for help. The Lincoln County Search & Rescue were called out to assist in the search but were canceled before they arrived, as Nease was located and able to walk out on his own with assistance from Officers. Lincoln City Police reminds our citizens when walking or hiking in the great Northwest to dress appropriately, carry a flashlight and a cell phone, and to let someone know where you are going and when you plan on returning. If you do become lost or disoriented, stop where you are and attempt to contact someone with your cell phone. By remaining where you are, searchers will have a better chance of finding you.
