MISSING: Milwaukee police ask for your help in search for 60-year-old Jerry Watkins



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee police are asking for your help to locate a missing person.

60-year-old Jerry Watkins has been missing since noon on Wednesday, December 31st. He was last seen walking in the neighborhood near 18th and State.

Jerry Watkins



Watkins suffers from and takes medication for dementia.  He has gone missing on previous occasions and has been located walking in various areas of the City of Milwaukee. Milwaukee police say this case is particularly concerning because of the recent extreme cold weather.

Watkins' family is asking you to take a closer look at his picture which may help save his life.

This is not how anyone wants to start a new year. On a porch, in the cold, Rodger Shaffer and Latisha Watkins are praying for good news.

"He usually comes back. This time I don't know what happened. He said he was going for a short walk and then that's all we saw of him," said Latisha.

"Right now we don't have no idea where he is at," said Rodger.

Family members are searching in cars, as Rodger and Latisha wait at Watson's home hoping he'll return.

As a second day of searching, turns into another freezing night, the family cannot help but think the worst.

"Anything could happen. Freeze. Hypothermia," said Rodger.

Watkins' kids say their dad can become easily confused. Even a short walk away from home, can make it very difficult for him to make it back.

It's not the first time the Milwaukee man has gone missing. Old neighbors recall Watkins disappearing for days.

"He was in the park. He had been there 3 days sleeping," said Watkins' neighbor.

This time is different, with temperatures so low.

Milwaukee police consider the case a critical missing, while family hopes for a happy ending for a year that just started.

"We just need some help right now," said Rodger.

Watkins' family says he could be anywhere.

He was last seen in a black leather jacket, maroon hat, blue jeans, and black boots.

Anyone with any information should contact the Milwaukee Police Department's Sensitive Crimes Division at 414-935-7401.