Niagara Falls, October 18, 2025
The Niagara Falls Police Department has initiated an urgent search for Robert Jenkins, a 62-year-old man with dementia reported missing near Pine Avenue. Considered at high risk due to his medical condition and the dropping temperatures, Jenkins was last seen wearing a blue jacket and dark pants. Search efforts involve police, K-9 units, and community volunteers as concerns grow for his well-being amid the chilly autumn weather.
Niagara Falls, NY – Urgent Search Launched for Missing Vulnerable Adult Robert Jenkins
Niagara Falls Police Department has launched an urgent search for 62-year-old Robert Jenkins, a vulnerable adult with dementia reported missing near Pine Avenue on Friday evening, October 17, 2025. Authorities consider him at high risk due to his medical condition and the dropping temperatures in the region.
The alert was issued late Friday as community members and law enforcement began immediate efforts to locate Jenkins. He was last seen around 7 p.m. in the vicinity of Pine Avenue, a busy commercial area in Niagara Falls. Described as approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall with a medium build, Jenkins has gray hair and brown eyes. At the time of his disappearance, he wore a distinctive blue jacket, dark pants, and black shoes. Police emphasized that Jenkins requires daily medication for his dementia, which heightens concerns for his well-being if he remains unassisted for an extended period.
Immediate Response and Community Involvement
Search operations kicked off promptly, involving Niagara Falls Police officers, K-9 units, and volunteers from the local community. Teams are focusing on areas along Pine Avenue, nearby parks, and residential neighborhoods where Jenkins might have wandered. The chilly autumn weather, with overnight lows dipping into the 40s Fahrenheit, adds urgency to the efforts, as exposure could pose serious health risks for someone in Jenkins’ condition.
Family members have voiced deep worry, noting Jenkins’ tendency to become disoriented due to dementia, which can lead him to stray from familiar paths. They are cooperating fully with authorities and have shared additional details to aid the search. Residents are encouraged to check their properties, garages, and outbuildings for any sign of Jenkins, as individuals with cognitive impairments sometimes seek shelter in unexpected places.
Public Urged to Act Quickly
Anyone with information on Jenkins’ whereabouts is asked to contact 911 immediately or reach out to the Niagara Falls Police Department at their non-emergency line, (716) 286-4543. Even minor sightings, such as someone matching his description in the area after Friday evening, could provide critical leads. Police advise against approaching Jenkins directly if spotted; instead, report the location to allow trained personnel to handle the situation sensitively.
The search remains active as of Saturday morning, October 18, 2025, with no confirmed sightings reported yet. Niagara Falls authorities are coordinating with neighboring agencies, including those in Buffalo and surrounding towns, in case Jenkins has traveled beyond the immediate area. Drones and additional resources may be deployed if the search extends into the evening.
Understanding the Risks of Missing Vulnerable Adults
Cases like Jenkins’ highlight the challenges faced by individuals with dementia or other vulnerabilities who go missing. According to general awareness from local health organizations, people with dementia may not recognize dangers, leading to risks from weather, traffic, or dehydration. In Western New York, where autumn brings variable conditions, timely intervention is crucial. The Niagara Falls community has a history of rallying around such incidents, with past searches often succeeding due to widespread public cooperation.
This event occurs amid a broader context of public safety alerts in the region. Recent days have seen reports of various incidents, including a rollover crash in nearby Amherst and vandalism at a Buffalo restaurant, but the focus remains on resolving Jenkins’ disappearance swiftly. Authorities stress that community vigilance plays a vital role in these outcomes.
As the search continues, updates will be provided through official channels. The priority is ensuring Jenkins’ safe return to his family, underscoring the importance of collective action in protecting vulnerable residents.
FAQ: Missing Person Alert for Robert Jenkins
What details are known about Robert Jenkins’ disappearance?
Niagara Falls Police Department has launched an urgent search for 62-year-old Robert Jenkins, a vulnerable adult with dementia reported missing near Pine Avenue on Friday evening, October 17, 2025. He was last seen around 7 p.m. wearing a blue jacket, dark pants, and black shoes.
Why is Robert Jenkins considered at high risk?
Authorities consider him at high risk due to his medical condition and the dropping temperatures in the region. Jenkins requires daily medication for his dementia, which heightens concerns for his well-being.
How can the public assist in the search?
Anyone with information on Jenkins’ whereabouts is asked to contact 911 immediately or reach out to the Niagara Falls Police Department at their non-emergency line, (716) 286-4543. Residents are encouraged to check their properties for any sign of Jenkins.
What is the current status of the search as of October 18, 2025?
The search remains active as of Saturday morning, October 18, 2025, with no confirmed sightings reported yet. Operations involve police, K-9 units, and community volunteers focusing on Pine Avenue and surrounding areas.
What weather conditions are affecting the search?
The chilly autumn weather, with overnight lows dipping into the 40s Fahrenheit, adds urgency to the efforts, as exposure could pose serious health risks for someone in Jenkins’ condition.
Key Details at a Glance: Robert Jenkins Search
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name and Age | Robert Jenkins, 62 years old |
| Condition | Vulnerable adult with dementia; requires daily medication |
| Last Seen | Near Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY, on October 17, 2025, around 7 p.m. |
| Clothing Description | Blue jacket, dark pants, black shoes |
| Physical Description | Approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, medium build, gray hair, brown eyes |
| Risk Factors | Dementia disorientation, chilly weather (40s Fahrenheit lows), potential medication issues |
| Search Status |
