Search for missing man with dementia continues

Spokane sheriff’s deputies will continue their search for a missing man suffering from dementia on Friday morning.

Sam Counts, 71, disappeared one week ago Friday while running an errand. The former Fairchild Air Force Base mechanic and his car are still missing.

Counts’ family thinks he may have reverted to an earlier time in his life and that he doesn’t even realize so many people are looking for him.

Counts was last seen driving a white, four door Kia. There has been no activity on his credit card, so Counts could still be in the area.

It’s not uncommon for lost dementia patients to resume a lifestyle they were living many years earlier and for Counts that was baseball, golf and bowling.

Sheriff’s deputies worry his car may have bogged down in the mud off a dirt road and so they launched Air 1 Thursday to search some of the more remote locations near his home.

Counts’ family has papered the Spokane Valley with missing person flyers and think their best hope is someone recognizing him or his car. They ask for your help even if you’re worried about sounding a false alarm.

Counts is six feet tall and weighs 170 lbs. He was last seen wearing a red and black jacket, jeans and white tennis shoes. If anyone sees Counts or his vehicle you’re asked to call 9-1-1.