Silver Alert issued for Centereach man missing on morning walk

A Centereach family is asking neighbors to watch for 78-year-old Mo Chang Im, who disappeared after leaving for his regular morning walk from Shearwater Way and may still be on foot somewhere in or near town. Suffolk County Police issued a Silver Alert for Im on Friday, June 5, after he was last seen leaving his residence at about 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3.

Police said Im could still be in Centereach or nearby, including along Portion Road or Middle Country Road, where he is known to walk to reach shopping centers and businesses in the area. His family said his daily walk helps with his balance and energy, and that he left without his phone or wallet. Reports also say he does not speak English and does not have a car.

The missing-person notice describes Im as Asian, bald, 5 feet 3 inches tall, about 140 pounds and with brown eyes. Family members said he has not been diagnosed with dementia, although he does experience memory lapses. Because he has Parkinson’s disease, the concern is that he could become disoriented or have trouble keeping his footing if he has been outside for an extended period.

The case has drawn heightened concern because Parkinson’s can affect movement, balance and coordination, and Im’s routine walk is something his family sees as part of his daily care, not just his commute through the neighborhood. Suffolk County Police said he is believed to be traveling on foot, which makes the area around Shearwater Way, Portion Road and Middle Country Road especially important for anyone who may have seen him.

New York State’s Missing Adult Alert Program is used when a person at least 18 years old with a cognitive disorder, mental disability or brain disorder goes missing, and state guidance says time is of the essence in those cases. Suffolk County Police also offer a Special Needs/Silver Alert registry, and registered residents can request a free identification bracelet that carries a distinctive I.D. number and a Suffolk County Police Department phone number. Anyone who sees Im is urged to contact police immediately.