KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — It's now been 16 days since a Knox County man with dementia got separated from his family at the Halls Walmart and walked away.
Jack Harrison, 77, was last seen about 9 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17. He suffers from dementia and other medical conditions. Video from the store shows him leaving the Walmart parking lot near the gas pumps and heading toward Norris Freeway.
That was the last sign of him.
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A Knox County Sheriff's Office spokesperson said deputies are driving area streets, answering calls and following up on tips as they search. The department receives several tips a day, some as far as California.
The KCSO spokesperson answered several common questions about the search:
- There have been no confirmed sightings (as of Dec. 3).
- Search dogs have been used, but too much time has passed for them to be effective without a confirmed sighting.
- Some crews waded Beaver Creek while searching, but the sheriff's office hasn't received any tips about footprints or other evidence indicating that someone went into water.
- The sheriff’s department continues to request people who live within 12 miles of the store to search their outbuildings, barns, creeks, parked or unused cars on their property and continue to monitor surveillance camera or doorbell camera footage for sightings.
- Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler encourages people to call in no matter how small a detail they notice. He said one tip may make the difference.
Spangler said it was heartwarming to see how the community has come together in an effort to bring Harrison home. Spangler said he has seen multiple signs at intersections, in business windows and even on vehicles when he was in the Halls community.
The sheriff has asked that if you think you see Harrison to please try to keep him in your sight while you contact authorities and until they arrive. His family has suggested telling him that "Karen is waiting for you" as a way to keep him nearby.
Karen is his wife, and along with other family members, friends, and community volunteers, are also continuing to look for Harrison.
Tips have come in from across the country, including as far away as California. So far, there have been no confirmed sightings.
Each tip is followed up on with help from patrols or the Airwatch unit.
Weather has played a big factor in keeping Airwatch in the skies. KCSO said the helicopter might be affect by weather at Island Home Airport where it is based even if skies in Halls remain relatively clear.
Pilots have mapped areas that they've searched, and tracking teams have been notified and brought in when something has been spotted.
Sheriff Spangler is encouraging anyone to call in tips to 911 or (865) 215-2243. No matter how small the detail, one tip could make the difference.