Police Search for Missing Man With Dementia
Portland police are looking for David Darman, who went missing from the Holiday Woods at Canco retirement community on Friday morning.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
Portland police sought David Darman, who was reported missing from the Holiday Woods at Canco retirement community. Darman has early-onset dementia and is largely non-verbal.
Why it matters
Darman has wandered from the community before, and his condition makes it difficult for him to communicate with people who find him. Residents who see a man matching his description are being asked to contact police.
The missing-person report describes Darman as 6 feet 1 inch tall and about 200 pounds, with gray hair and a gray beard, often wearing a blue baseball hat with an orange logo and sunglasses. Police have not stated where he was last seen or whether he has been found.
The players
Holiday Woods at Canco
Holiday Woods at Canco is a retirement community on Canco Road in Portland, Maine, where Darman lived and was reported missing.
Portland Police Department
The Portland Police Department is the city law enforcement agency leading the search for Darman.
The details
Darman was reported missing from the Holiday Woods at Canco retirement community, located on Canco Road between Central Maine Power and Washington Avenue. He has early-onset dementia, is largely non-verbal, and has wandered away from the community before.
Timeline
Friday morning, November 6, 2026: Police sought Darman as missing.
Big Picture
Wandering is a well-documented risk for people with dementia in residential care, and this disappearance from a retirement community reflects that broader pattern. Care facilities and local police often rely on quick public descriptions to bring such individuals home safely.
If you see a man matching Darman's description, with gray hair, a gray beard, and a blue hat with an orange logo, do not approach him alone; call the Portland Police Department right away. Stay with him if it is safe to do so until officers arrive.
The takeaway
Clear, recent descriptions and quick reporting make a real difference in locating people with dementia who wander. Anyone who sees a matching person should call police immediately rather than waiting to confirm.
Further reading
For more on the disease behind cases like this, see Alzheimer's coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WMTW.
