FOUND: Kingston Police urgently searching for missing elderly woman around Rideaucrest Home
UPDATE: Kingston Police confirm that Heather Journey was located by Rideaucrest Home staff, safe and sound, in the independent living side of the building at approximately 10:05 p.m.
ORIGINAL: Kingston Police are urgently searching for an elderly woman who has gone missing from her retirement residence this evening.
“At approximately 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20, Kingston Police were notified by Rideaucrest Home staff that one of their residents, 71-year-old female Heather Journey, had gone missing from their premises at 175 Rideau Street,” said Kingston Police in a release.
According to police, earlier in the evening Journey, dressed lightly for the weather, had stepped outside for a cigarette and did not return.
Police say that her clothing is described as a white winter jacket over a nightgown, white hat, white wool socks, and slippers. She uses a burgundy walker for assistance.
She is Caucasian, 5’9” in height, weighs approximately 190 pounds, has white hair and wears prescription glasses.
“An initial search conducted by staff around the building and property did not locate Journey,” Kingston Police said. “Due to the extreme cold warning, Journey’s age, her inadequate clothing for the weather, the time she has been gone, and her cognitive function, Kingston Police and others involved are highly concerned for her well-being.”
Kingston Police incident command has been initiated that includes a search coordinator, Canine Unit, infrared-equipped drones, and more. Uniform patrol officers and detectives are continuing to look into any other investigative avenues, police said.
“Nearby residents are asked to be aware there may be a marked scene or search area, and to please ensure not to contaminate it even with the best of intentions. However, anyone living on Rideau St and other nearby streets are asked to please check their rear yards, garages, etc. to ensure Journey has not sought shelter from the cold on their property.”
If located or seen please call Kingston Police immediately by dialing 9-1-1. For any non-urgent information please contact the front desk at 613-549-4660.