LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. — Police are still searching for a Loudoun County man who was last seen leaving his home on Thursday, June 20. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office says Edward Lane, 78, lives with his wife on Youngs Cliff Road.
"Last Thursday at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, he went out the back door of the house and he hasn't been seen since," said Lieutenant Colonel Robert Mosier, with the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.
Edward Lane is described as standing around 5'11', and weighing around 170 pounds. He has green eyes and white hair. Police say he was last seen wearing khaki shorts, a white shirt, and brown moccasin shoes. He is believed to be walking, not in a vehicle.
Officials say they immediately responded to the area and began searching.
"A couple of factors went into this. His age, he's 78 years old. He's in cognitive decline and along with the heat, remember the heat over the past few days have been anywhere between 95 and 100 degrees, so we had to get out immediately and search," said Mosier.
Since Thursday, Mosier says they've searched the areas around his home.
"We immediately mobilized resources to go out there and do a search and rescue. This not only included K-9 and drones but also underwater dive teams. The Virginia State Police, Fairfax 1 helicopter just a variety of resources to do a complete search of the area," said Mosier.
He told WUSA9 the terrain near Lane's home is treacherous, with thick brush and the Potomac River just steps away.
When you combine those conditions, with Lane's age, the fact that he suffers from dementia, and the extreme heat we've had, it's especially concerning.
"I have to admit the prospects are challenging but until we know, we have to check," said Mosier.
He told WUSA9 what has brought some comfort, is the outpouring of support from the community.
"A lot of people are asking how we can help. We do have a very specific way people can help. Check your property if you have outbuildings, sheds, Mr. Lane may have sought refuge inside one of those buildings," said LTC Mosier.
He says everyone is staying positive.
"We don't want this to dim any prospect of hope, so we're gonna continue until we find out one way or the other," said Mosier.
LCSO also recommends anyone who has a family member with a medical condition, or tendency to get lost, to sign up for Project Lifesaver.
"It's a special bracelet that will allow law enforcement if you report them missing, to work with the family to help find them," said Mosier.
In the meantime, he's asking everyone to continue keeping an eye out for Lane.
"This is truly a community coming together to search for the person and the fact that if it was your mom or your dad you'd want that too and that's the mindset," he said.
If you see Edward Lane or have any information that may help police locate him, please call the LCSO immediately at (703) 777-1021 or you can dial 911.