Reno Police Seek Missing Endangered 79-Year-Old
Officers are searching for William Spence, a 79-year-old man with medical conditions who is without necessary medication.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Accidents
Reno Police Department is seeking William Spence, a 79-year-old man considered endangered due to medical conditions affecting his memory and mobility. Officers responded to the 5200 block of Kietzke Lane on October 31, 2026, about 3 p.m. after a report of the missing man.
Why it matters
Spence is without necessary medication and may have difficulty navigating his surroundings or finding his way home, raising safety concerns for the Reno community. Because he recently moved to the area, residents may be less familiar with him and his surroundings.
Reno Police are actively seeking Spence as an endangered missing person, and no location or recovery has been reported. Investigators have not yet provided details on how long he has been missing or what leads they are pursuing.
The players
Reno Police Department
The municipal law enforcement agency serving Reno, Nevada, which is leading the search for the missing man.
William Spence
A 79-year-old man considered endangered due to medical conditions affecting his memory and mobility who has been reported missing in Reno.
The details
Spence was last seen wearing a gray or green baseball cap, a gray jacket, a green shirt and blue jeans. He is a white man with gray hair and blue eyes, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Reno Police Department.
Timeline
October 31, 2026, about 3 p.m.: Officers responded to the report of the missing endangered man on Kietzke Lane.
Legal Context
Cases involving missing endangered seniors in Nevada are often handled under the state's Silver Alert program, which is designed to rapidly share information with the public. Spence's case follows this pattern of urgent public notification for vulnerable older adults with medical conditions.
Residents in the 5200 block of Kietzke Lane and across Reno should watch for an elderly man matching Spence's description, wearing a gray or green baseball cap, gray jacket, green shirt and blue jeans. Anyone who sees him is asked to contact the Reno Police Department promptly.
The takeaway
Anyone who sees a person matching William Spence's description should call the Reno Police Department right away, since his medical conditions and lack of medication make him particularly vulnerable.
Further reading
Find more local coverage in Accidents in Reno.
