Virginia State Police Issue Urgent Senior Alert for Missing 93-Year-Old Man With Cognitive Impairment

Lynchburg and Roanoke police search for Elmer Mitchell, 93, missing since Friday. He is driving a gray 2017 Mazda 3 and has a cognitive impairment.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 21, 2026, 5:39 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WDBJ 7

Statewide Alert Triggered by Disappearance of Vulnerable Senior

The Virginia State Police have activated a formal Senior Alert following a report from the Lynchburg Police Department regarding a missing 93-year-old resident. Elmer Mitchell was officially categorized as an endangered person after his family reported him missing at approximately 7:01 p.m. on Friday, March 20. According to investigative reports, Mitchell suffers from a significant cognitive impairment, a condition that has led authorities to classify his current status as a medical emergency. Officers from multiple jurisdictions have been briefed on the situation as the search enters its first critical 24-hour window.

Last Known Movements and Physical Description

The search for Mitchell began after he was last observed leaving his residence in the 1000 block of Wiggington Road at roughly 12:00 p.m. on Friday. Police describe the missing man as standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing approximately 230 pounds, with distinctive blue eyes and gray hair. At the time of his departure, he was wearing a green jacket over a flannel shirt and a black hat commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Army. Family members and investigators are concerned that his disorientation may increase as time passes, especially given the distance he may have traveled from his home.

Identification of Suspected Vehicle and Travel Route

Law enforcement officials believe Mitchell is operating a gray 2017 Mazda 3, which has become a primary focus of the regional search efforts. A crucial identifying feature of the vehicle is a sticker located on the rear driver’s side window that contains the religious phrase, “Not I, But Christ.” Based on preliminary tracking and situational data, police suggest that Mitchell may be navigating toward the Roanoke or Christiansburg areas. The specific mention of this vehicle is intended to help the public identify the senior while he is in transit between these major Virginia municipalities.