The Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two missing-persons cases, one out of Hoquiam and another out of Oakville.
Hoquiam
The discovery of an abandoned vehicle on Highway 101 north of Egge Road Wednesday has prompted the search for a woman reported missing out of Bellingham, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Joann W. Nelson, 78, is bipolar and possibly off her medication, according to a Sheriff’s Office statement.
Nelson spent the night at a hotel in Ocean Shores Tuesday and was possibly seen walking on Polson Camp Road around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Her cell phone was tracked to the area, giving the Sheriff’s Office about a 4-mile radius to search. A search for her began Thursday after Bellingham Police said the abandoned vehicle was associated with Nelson.
Ground searchers, bloodhounds and searchers in vehicles scowered the area, and a military helicopter scheduled for a training mission agreed to fly over the area with a heat-seeking camera.
As of 8 a.m. Friday, Nelson had not been located, according to the Sheriff’s Office,.
She was last seen wearing a dark-colored windbreaker, shirt, pants and carrying a dark backpack. The photo of Nelson shows her with dark hair, but the Sheriff’s Office said her hair is currently gray.Anyone with information should call dispatch at 360-533-8765.
Missing man out of Oakville
The Sheriff’s Office is also investigating a missing person last seen around 5 a.m. March 16 walking on South Bank Road at Garrard Creek Road west of Oakville.
Raymond G. Denault, 38, was reportedly “upset over person matters” when he left on foot. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, white shorts and tennis shoes. He is described as white, 6-feet 1-inch tall, 195 pounds with blue eyes and short brown hair. He has tattoos on both arms and a missing thumb and index finger on his left hand. He has goatee-style facial hair and his head is shaved bald. Family members told investigators Denault had not been taking care of himself and is very thin with sunken cheeks.
Family members thought Denault would most likely be in the Lewis or Thurston county areas. If you have seen him or have information on his location call 360-533-8765 and reference case number 19-004811.
