Winnipeg Police Activate Silver Alert for Missing Senior Citizen
The Winnipeg Police Service has issued an urgent silver alert for a missing senior citizen, sparking community concern and a city-wide search effort. The alert was activated Tuesday morning for 82-year-old Don Duguid, who was last seen around 6 a.m. on January 28, 2026.
Details of the Disappearance
According to police reports, Duguid was last observed in the River Heights neighborhood of Winnipeg. Authorities have released a detailed description of the missing man, noting he stands approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build, gray hair, and blue eyes. He was reportedly wearing a dark winter coat, blue jeans, and brown boots when last seen.
Silver alerts represent a specialized emergency response system designed specifically for missing seniors, particularly those with cognitive conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The Winnipeg Police Service implements these alerts when there's immediate concern for a senior's safety due to health conditions, weather exposure, or other risk factors.
Community Response and Search Efforts
Police have mobilized multiple units to search the area where Duguid was last seen, including patrol officers, the K9 unit, and community support teams. Authorities are urging residents in River Heights and surrounding neighborhoods to check their properties, including garages, sheds, and vehicles, for any sign of the missing man.
"Time is critical in these situations," stated a Winnipeg Police Service spokesperson during a morning briefing. "We're asking everyone to be extra vigilant and report any possible sightings immediately. Even seemingly insignificant information could prove crucial to our investigation."
What Community Members Should Know
Police have provided specific guidance for anyone who might encounter Duguid:
- Approach calmly and speak in a reassuring manner
- Do not startle or confront aggressively
- Immediately contact emergency services at 911
- Stay with the individual until help arrives if safe to do so
Family members have expressed deep concern for Duguid's wellbeing, noting he requires medication that he doesn't have with him. Winnipeg's current winter conditions, with temperatures hovering around -15°C, add significant urgency to the search operation.
Broader Context of Senior Safety
This incident highlights the growing importance of silver alert systems across Canadian municipalities. As Canada's population ages, police services have developed specialized protocols to address the unique vulnerabilities of missing seniors. Winnipeg's silver alert system represents part of this nationwide effort to protect vulnerable community members.
Anyone with information about Don Duguid's whereabouts is urged to contact the Winnipeg Police Service immediately at 204-986-6222 or call 911 for emergency sightings.
