The family of a 77-year-man suffering with early onset of dementia is appealing for information about his whereabouts after he left his home in Toronto’s Don Mills neighbourhood a week ago and hasn’t been seen or heard from since.
“We’ve been missing our father for almost seven days now,” the missing man’s son, Zelalem Tesfamicael, told reporters during a press conference at police headquarters Wednesday morning.
“It’s been overwhelming. We’ve been searching everywhere in the city. I would like to help our father get home.”
Toronto police said Kahsai Semereab left his residence on Aug. 23 around 11 a.m. in the area of Don Mills Road and St. Dennis Drive. He was then spotted on a TTC bus heading westbound from Linkwood Lane.
Investigators said video obtained from the bus surveillance system shows Semereab paying for his fare, receiving a transfer and exiting the bus six minutes later near Gateway Boulevard.
“It’s unknown to me whether or not he took the transfer because the driver offered it to him, or that he requested it,” Det. LeeAnn West said. “But obviously when we saw he did obtain the transfer, then the connections could be more and more.”
Family members said Semereab speaks very little English but is familiar with public transportation, especially Pape subway station.
Since his disappearance, police said they have exhausted their search efforts and are appealing to the public for help locating the missing senior.
“Initially, we focused in the area where he resided, and a couple of days later, we expanded our search of Don Mills and Gateway Boulevard,” West said.
Police said Semereab is on medication for symptoms related to his dementia and family members are concerned for his safety.
“He belongs with his family. Please help us out,” Tesfamicael said. “This has never happened before. He’s never been this far.”
Semereab is described as 5’5″ tall, with a skinny build and weighs approximately 120 to 150 lbs.
He was last seen wearing a black shirt with yellow stripes, grey khaki pants, sandals and walks with a brass cane.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
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