Jefferson County, Arkansas – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is turning to the public for assistance in finding a missing 71-year-old man who has not been seen or heard from since Saturday, May 17.
Deputies are actively searching for William McElvain, who was last seen around 2:00 PM and last heard from approximately three hours later. According to officials, McElvain may have left his residence on Samuel Road in Pine Bluff on foot during the evening hours of that day.
McElvain is described as a white male, standing about 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 265 pounds. He has long gray hair that may be braided and a full gray beard. In an effort to aid identification, the sheriff’s office provided specific details about his tattoos: the name “Roberta” across his back, a set of praying hands on his right pectoral with the words “in memory of mom and dad,” and various tattoos on both of his arms.
Authorities say there has been no confirmed sighting since the evening he went missing, and they are becoming increasingly concerned about his well-being due to his age and the lack of contact with friends or family.
“The public’s help is crucial in cases like this,” the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said in a public notice. “Any information, no matter how small it may seem, can make a big difference in helping us locate Mr. McElvain safely.”
The sheriff’s office urges anyone who may have seen McElvain or knows anything about his whereabouts to come forward immediately. Lieutenant Dennis Kendall is leading the investigation and can be contacted directly at (870) 510-4707 or via email at [email protected]. Tips can also be shared by calling the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center at (870) 541-5300.
As the search continues, deputies are canvassing the area around Samuel Road and working with local residents to gather any clues that might point to McElvain’s direction of travel or current location.
“We ask that everyone remain alert and keep an eye out,” said a spokesperson for the department. “Check your property, review any home security footage if you live nearby, and please call us right away if you see or hear anything that might help.”
The sheriff’s office has not released any further details regarding the circumstances of McElvain’s disappearance, but they emphasize that time is of the essence in missing person cases, especially when the individual is elderly and may require assistance.
The investigation remains open, and authorities continue to hope for a safe and swift resolution.
