GOLCONDA, Ill. -- Area first responders were out on Monday and Tuesday looking for an 80-year-old man who went missing.
Illinois State Police activated an Endangered Missing Person Advisory on Monday evening for Jerry Harris who is still missing in Pope County as of Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
The Pope County Sheriff’s Department said on Monday they were looking for Jerry Harris and asked for the public’s help in finding him. He went missing around 10:45 a.m. Monday morning.
Just after 1 p.m. on Monday, the sheriff’s office posted the request from the public, stating the man is 5�9� tall, weighing 158 lbs., and is wearing a bright green coat.
Crews searched in the area of Golconda and Eddyville along Eddyville Blacktop, in area woods and in surrounding areas.
The sheriff’s office also said on Monday, the weather is cold and are needing to find him and get him home.
On Tuesday, around 5:30 p.m., the Rural Pope County Fire Protection District stated they have terminated the search for Mr. Harris and said they are out of options at this point.
Information regarding search and rescue efforts for Jerry Harris, pope county fire has terminated the search. after numerous man hours and hundreds of acres walked and countless resources that were provided to assist we have come up with nothing. We will not be continuing the search unless we get any kind of information regarding his whereabouts. This is a very unfortunate event that we are saddened to terminate but we’re just out of options at this point. If the public would like to work something out with the family and continue a search effort that’s between you and the family and Sheriffs office at this point moving forward. Please know we have done everything we can do and perform to the best of our abilities and that we are all very saddened by this event. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers and hope for closure soon. - Captain 702
The Pope County Sheriff's Department stated on Wednesday, they will continue with this investigation and search. They urge anyone that wants to help and assist with the search to come to the sheriff's department where they will be informed what locations they can go to in searching for Mr. Harris.
The Southern Illinois Search Team posted on their Facebook page on Wednesday morning, they are meeting at the Pope County Sheriff's Department on Saturday morning, December 23, at 9 a.m. They encourage anyone who wants to volunteer to be there but also let them know they are interested via their .
If you have any information, you are urged to call the Pope County Sheriff’s Office at 618-683-4321.
