Toronto police searching for for missing senior with dementia

Toronto police are asking for the public's help in tracking down a missing man with Alzheimer's disease.

Norman Gray, who also goes by Bill, was last seen in North York on Tuesday at about 12 p.m. near Sheppard Avenue W. and Torbarrie Road. At a news conference Wednesday, Duty Insp. Scott Shutt said police have deemed the search to be a high priority.

"He's gone missing once in the past, but he returned on his own volition," said Shutt, who added Gray is on medication to treat dementia.

"That has not occurred in this case, so we are very concerned for his safety."

Police described Gray as a Black 76-year-old man. He's about five feet, ten inches tall, with grey curly hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a dark-coloured baseball hat, a red and blue shirt, blue jeans, a black jacket and black and white shoes, added Shutt.

Gray's daughter Kassandra also spoke at the news conference, and said if her father doesn't respond to his name, he might respond to the phrase "you're Kassandra's dad.

"My parents are going to be celebrating 53 years of marriage, and we really, really want to bring him home," she said, adding he's been living in the area for about a decade.

"So we really, really appreciate your help in helping to search for my father," she said.

Kassandra, left, and Kimberley Gray, right, speak at a news conference on Wednesday on Toronto police's search for their 76-year-old father, Norman 'Bill' Gray. (Paul Smith/CBC)

The family says Gray enjoys walks, gardening and green spaces, and it may be possible he stopped by someone's property to admire the landscaping or garden.

He is also known to walk around the North York Sheridan Mall area, his family added, particularly the grocery stores near Jane Street and WIlson Avenue.

"He's a bit reserved, quite friendly. He will communicate with you if you approach him," said his other daughter Kimberley Gray, adding his disappearance has been very "traumatizing" for their family.

"He will smile ... he will open up and have a conversation with you," she said.

Shutt said police are asking for any information or security camera footage of Gray's whereabouts and want the public to check backyards, sheds and "any other places a person can hide on their property."