For Immediate Release: July 26, 2004

 

Deputies from the Hall County Sheriff's Office spent the day searching for an elderly man. He apparently walked away from an assisted living home on Imperial Drive, just north of Gainesville, early this morning.

 

Donald Owen Nelson, age 76 of Gainesville is described as a white male, 5”6’ tall & 150 lbs, he was reportedly wearing a green shirt with tan or green khaki pants and brown shoes. He has a large tattoo on his left forearm. He was reported missing when he failed to show up for breakfast at the assisted living facility this morning.

 

Deputies began a search for him in the Imperial Drive area around 8:30 this morning and continued their efforts throughout the day. Deputies brought in tracking dogs from the Department Of Corrections, used a Georgia State Patrol Helicopter, and a boat from the Department of Natural Resources.   Around 1 PM the Hall County Sheriff's Office REDDOG Team along with the SWAT Team was called in and used to conduct a massive ground search of the area while investigators canvassed the neighborhood handing out fliers with the mans photo.   Mr. Nelson is listed nationally as a missing person on police computers.

 

As of 7:30 PM, Mr. Nelson had not been located. Deputies will remain in the area and continue their efforts over night.

 

Anyone with information or anyone who may have seen Mr. Nelson in the early morning hours of Monday, July 26, 2004, is asked to contact the Hall County Sheriff's Office at 770-536-8812.