Sheriff Searches for Missing Springfield Man
Lane County deputies are looking for 30-year-old Avery Christopher Maitia, who left an adult foster care facility without his medications or a cellphone.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Accidents
The Lane County Sheriff's Office is searching for Avery Christopher Maitia, 30, who left the 1200 block of Janus Court in Springfield on foot around 2 p.m. Oct. 31 and was expected back in 30 minutes. Deputies were notified of the missing person at about 1:10 a.m. Nov. 1.
Why it matters
Maitia has significant medical and mental health issues and is without his medications, which raises concern for his health while he is outside the facility. He is believed not to know anyone in the immediate area, making a quick return or sighting especially important.
The Lane County Sheriff's Office is actively searching for Maitia, and the report was filed from the Janus Court address. No charges, suspects, or investigative findings are reported, as this is a missing person case.
The players
Lane County Sheriff's Office
The Oregon county law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling unincorporated areas and assisting with search and rescue operations across Lane County.
Avery Christopher Maitia
A 30-year-old Springfield man with significant medical and mental health issues who was reported missing after leaving an adult foster care facility.
The details
Maitia, described as 5-foot-2 and 180 pounds, was last seen wearing a black beanie and a blue patterned sweatshirt with Michael Meyers printed on it. He left the adult foster care facility on foot and has lived there for a few months.
Timeline
Oct. 31, about 2 p.m.: Maitia leaves the Janus Court address in Springfield, expected back in 30 minutes.
Nov. 1, about 1:10 a.m.: Lane County Sheriff's Office is notified of Maitia's disappearance.
Legal Context
Adult foster care facilities in Oregon operate under licensing rules overseen by the Oregon Department of Human Services, which set standards for resident supervision and care. Cases like Maitia's highlight how those supervision requirements apply when vulnerable residents leave a facility on their own.
Residents in Springfield who see a man matching Maitia's description, wearing a black beanie and a blue Michael Meyers sweatshirt, should contact the Lane County Sheriff's Office at 541-682-4150. Anyone with information on his whereabouts can help ensure he gets his medications and care quickly.
The takeaway
A missing person with serious health needs and no medications is a time-sensitive situation, and quick reporting of any sighting can make a significant difference. Anyone who spots someone matching the description should call the Lane County Sheriff's Office at 541-682-4150 right away.
Further reading
For more on incidents like this across the region, browse Accidents coverage in Springfield.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KMTR.
