News Summary
A Silver Alert has been activated for Winthrop Whitaker, 76, and Quenett Scott, 71, who are missing in the Phoenix area. Authorities are seeking community assistance to locate these vulnerable individuals, both suffering from medical conditions that could hinder their ability to return home safely. Whitaker, unfamiliar with the area, was last seen walking from his sister’s home, while Scott, who is without medication, was last seen leaving her home in Mesa. Community vigilance is essential for their safe return.
Phoenix – A Silver Alert has been activated for two missing individuals in the Phoenix area, highlighting the critical need for community awareness in locating vulnerable populations. The first alert concerns Winthrop “Winky” Whitaker, a 76-year-old man from Hawaii, who went missing on Thursday evening. Whitaker was last seen around 7 p.m. after he left his sister’s residence near 39th Avenue and Union Hills Drive on foot. Local authorities disclosed that he has been upset regarding his sister’s health and is unfamiliar with the Phoenix area. Additionally, Whitaker suffers from a medical condition that may lead to confusion or disorientation.
Authorities have described Whitaker as 5 feet, 9 inches tall, weighing 165 pounds, with gray hair and blue eyes. During his last sighting, he was wearing a dark-colored shirt featuring “Aloha” printed on the front, dark shorts, and sandals. Anyone who may have seen or has information about Winthrop Whitaker’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Phoenix Police Department at 602-534-2121 or 602-262-6151 after hours.
In a separate incident, a Silver Alert has also been issued for Quenett Scott, a 71-year-old woman from Mesa who is prone to seizures. Authorities report that Scott was last seen leaving her residence in Mesa around 5:30 p.m. on Friday in the area of McDowell Road and Val Vista Drive. It is of particular concern that she is currently without her medication, which increases her risk of suffering from seizures and hallucinations.
Scott is described as approximately 5-foot-2, weighing 170 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a green long-sleeve shirt, white pants, and white shoes. Law enforcement believes that Scott may be on foot in Mesa or potentially in a nearby East Valley city. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2211.
Recent analyses conducted by law enforcement indicate the effectiveness of Silver Alerts in swiftly locating missing persons, particularly those aged 65 or older or individuals with developmental disabilities. The Arizona Department of Public Safety has established systems to disseminate these urgent alerts through emergency broadcasts and freeway message boards. Currently, Arizona is equipped with 108 message boards located throughout metro Phoenix and a total of 193 statewide to share these critical alerts.
Community members are urged to stay vigilant and share any pertinent information that could assist authorities in locating these individuals. The timely reporting of sightings or any relevant information can significantly impact the search efforts and potentially lead to the safe return of those who are missing.
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Additional Resources
- KTAR News: Silver Alert for Hawaii Man in Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Silver Alert
- AZCentral: What is a Silver Alert?
- Google Search: Silver Alert
- KTAR News: Silver Alert for Chandler Woman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Silver Alert
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
