Kansas investigators issue statewide Silver Alert for missing 71-year-old man

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Towanda man.

Investigators say the whereabouts of 71-year-old Joseph M. Hayes are unknown, and they have requested the public’s help locating him.

Hayes reportedly left his home in Towanda Monday, June 20, for Anniston, Ala. Investigators say he never made it. He was driving a 2014 Black Dodge Ram 1500 with a Kansas tag 576HZW.

Hayes is a white man around 5′8″ tall, and he weighs 175 lbs. He has grey hair and blue eyes.

While traveling, Hayes’ vehicle was spotted via license plate reader in Williamson County, Texas, Thursday, June 23. One of his daughters spoke with him over the phone Sunday, June 26, and he said he had gotten turned around in the Forth Worth, Texas area. His family suggested he turn around and head back to Kansas. Hayes never arrived in Kansas.

Hayes has suffered a previous stroke, has high blood pressure, and family indicated to investigators he has shown signs of dementia.

KBI asks that if you see Hayes or have any information about his whereabouts, please contact 911 or the Butler County Sheriff’s Office at (316)-322-4398.

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