Fort Collins Police Search for Missing 78-Year-Old Man Last Seen Near Horsetooth and Taft Hill

Fort Collins Police Services is asking the public for assistance locating a missing 78-year-old man named George who was last seen at approximately 2 p.m. on November 1 in the area of West Horsetooth Road and South Taft Hill Road.

George is driving a silver GMC single cab truck with Colorado license plate 841VJI. He was last seen wearing a red flannel shirt and blue jeans.

Residents who have seen someone fitting this description should contact Fort Collins Police immediately at 970-221-6540.

No Waiting Period Required for Missing Person Reports

Fort Collins Police Services does not require a waiting period before accepting missing person reports, following Colorado state law and national best practices that mandate immediate investigation of missing persons cases.

When a missing person report is filed, Fort Collins Police collect comprehensive information regarding identity, medical condition, last known location and possible vehicles involved, according to department policy. Officers initiate local and regional notifications to all patrol units and relevant law enforcement partners.

Standard operating procedures require entry of missing persons into the National Crime Information Center database as soon as sufficient identifying information is available. The department deploys available resources including patrol units, K-9 teams and drones, especially when the person may be endangered due to physical or mental health conditions.

Colorado Silver Alert System Activates for Endangered Seniors

Colorado's Missing Senior Citizen Alert Program, commonly known as Silver Alert, was established in 2006 to address endangered missing seniors. The program is managed by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation but requires local law enforcement agencies like Fort Collins Police to verify and initiate alerts.

Silver Alert criteria require the missing person be 60 or older with a verified impaired mental condition and a credible threat to their health or safety, according to CBI guidelines. Once approved by CBI, alerts are sent to television and radio stations, digital billboards on state highways and news organizations.

Fort Collins Police participates in the Silver Alert program and works closely with the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, Loveland Police Department and emergency management resources for coordinated major searches.

Windsor Police marked one year since 15-year-old Janika Sierra was reported missing on October 29, with multiple unconfirmed sightings across Northern Colorado but no confirmed recovery.

Residents with information about George's whereabouts should contact Fort Collins Police Services at 970-221-6540.