Police scale back search for missing Andover woman, request residents search their properties

By Shawn Cunningham
© 2015 Telegraph Publishing LLC

A Vermont State Police helicopter searches for Lynn Perry along Route 11 in Andover. Photo by Leah M. Cunningham. Click any photo to launch gallery.

With patrols still in the woods and combing the side roads, the Vermont State Police announced mid-afternoon on Friday that they are winding down this phase of the search for Lynn Perry. The Andover woman – who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease – has been missing from her home on Route 11 since Tuesday morning triggering a four day search and rescue operation.

“We’ve had over 200 people out searching,” said VSP Capt. Ray Keefe. “We have the helicopter back here today. Going forward we’ll have a limited search in which troopers will continue following leads, meeting residents and conducting road patrols.”

Keefe requested that residents within a 2- to 4-mile radius of the search command post at Rowell’s Inn, which is next to Perry’s home, on Route 11 search their properties – especially their outbuildings as thoroughly as possible. According to Vermont State Search and Rescue coordinator Neil Van Dyke, children and adults with dementia are likely to hunker down – even hide, so a casual look into a building might not find them.

Vermont State Police Capt. Ray Keefe. Photo by Shawn Cunningham

Noting the cooperation among a number of groups and agencies, Keefe singled out the Chester Fire Department and Chief Matt Wilson for praise. “The department has done a great job,” said Keefe, “and it’s been great working with the chief.”

Wilson – who has been with the department for nearly 20 years – admitted to being frustrated. “I’ve never had one go this long,” said Wilson. “It’s frustrating for me, and it’s been tough on the searchers. Firefighters and police like to get things done so this has been hard.”

Keefe also acknowledged help from the community – especially noting the generosity of Lisai’s Chester Market in providing lunches and dinners. “They’d send out 50 sandwiches for the searchers and not charge us,” said Keefe. “You see a lot of good in people in a tough time like this.”

State Police Search and Rescue team members Joseph Duca and Buck take a break from the search on Friday. Photo by Shawn Cunningham

Anyone with information or tips on the whereabouts of Lynn Perry is asked to call the State Police in Rockingham at 802-875-2112.