Police Seek Help Locating Missing 80-Year-Old Man
Amarillo police are asking the public to help find Melvin Wayne McKown, who was last seen in Santa Rosa, New Mexico.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Current Conditions
Amarillo police are asking the public for help locating Melvin Wayne McKown, 80, who was last seen driving a white 2023 Chevrolet Malibu with Texas license plate WSY-6296. His cellphone last showed a location in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, at about 7:30 a.m.
Why it matters
McKown has dementia, lung disease, heart disease, and diabetes, is at risk of falling, and does not have his medication with him. These conditions make a prompt search especially urgent for residents in Amarillo and surrounding areas who may spot the vehicle.
The report gives McKown's physical description, vehicle plate WSY-6296, and a cellphone location near Santa Rosa at about 7:30 a.m. No later location or sighting has been released.
The players
Amarillo Police Department
The municipal police agency serving the city of Amarillo, Texas, which issued the request for public assistance in locating the missing man.
The details
McKown may be traveling with a dog of unknown breed and has short gray hair, a gray mustache, and green eyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact Amarillo police.
Timeline
7:30 a.m.: McKown's cellphone last showed a location in Santa Rosa, New Mexico.
Seasonal Patterns
Missing-person appeals for older adults with dementia follow the pattern of statewide Silver Alert notifications used in Texas to mobilize rapid public searches. This case sits within that established framework for locating seniors at elevated risk.
Residents who see a white 2023 Chevrolet Malibu with Texas plate WSY-6296 or an older man matching McKown's description should call Amarillo police immediately. Do not approach him, since he is at risk of falling and may be confused.
The takeaway
Quick reporting of a vehicle plate and a physical description can make a significant difference in locating a vulnerable missing adult. Share any sighting with police as soon as it is seen.
Further reading
Track live reports in the Current Conditions section for Amarillo.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KVII.
