People in Toronto and beyond are being asked to check their yards, garages, sheds or “anywhere a person can take shelter” for a 76-year-old Portuguese man who went missing two weeks ago.
Antonio Madeira, a resident of the Oakwood-Vaughan neighborhood in west Toronto for more than four decades, was last seen on Tuesday, July 12, between 10:30 and 11 a.m. near Winona Drive and Mulberry Crescent.
He is described as five-foot-five and 150 pounds with a thin build, tanned skin, hazel eyes, short balding white hair and a full white beard. Madeira, who walks with a slight but distinct limp and often clasps her hands behind her back, was last seen wearing a dark or black jacket with a distinctive large white stripe down each arm, light khaki pants, white shoes or light-colored and a multicolored baseball cap. He also had his wallet and keys.
This afternoon outside the 13th Division, Const. Laura Brabant along with the man’s son, Michael, asked for the public’s help.
“We appeal to all members of the community, both in Toronto and outside of Toronto, if you spot Mr. Madeira, please contact the police immediately,” Brabant said, adding that Sgt. Chris Monk of the 13th Division and his team have been working “tirelessly, around the clock” to locate this missing person.
“We also ask that if you live in this community or in this area, if you have security surveillance or door cameras or table cam footage, please check your video footage, it may be helpful to us if you suspect you are seeing some Mr. Madeira in your cameras.”
Michael Madeira and his family have been worried sick since their loved one went missing.
“He’s been missing for almost two weeks. That’s unlike him,” Michael said of his father, who is known to take daily walks in the Oakwood-Vaughan area.
“This is obviously very concerning. …. There has been a heat wave, storms.”
Michael said his father may have undiagnosed dementia and could be anywhere in the city at the moment.
Like Brabant, he asked people to check their yards, garages, even around unexpected places like factories where a person might find a place to seek shelter from the elements.
“It’s very difficult right now, so we’re waiting for all the help we can get from anywhere or anyone,” he said.
Both police and Madeira’s son said he will likely appear disheveled and may be confused and scared.
Madeira can also be a bit quiet, Michael said, as he speaks Portuguese and understands Spanish and Italian, but struggles with English.
Brabant asked anyone who spots or sees Madeira to contact police and, if possible, stay with him until they arrive.
He said investigators continue to follow up on any tips or possible sightings.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the 13 Division at 416-808-1300, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.222tips.com.
People can also contact Michael Madeira directly at 647-282-8439 if they have information or see their father.