Missing Plainfield Man Found Trapped Inside His Own Home After Massive Search

An 83-year-old Plainfield man with dementia was found trapped in his home late Monday night after being missing for nearly 18 hours, ending a large search involving municipal and county authorities.

Arthur Smith was last seen at 6:30 a.m. Monday at his Randolph Road residence. His disappearance prompted a coordinated response that included the Plainfield Police Department, canines, drones, and specialized vehicles from other municipalities and county agencies.

Smith was discovered in his home shortly before midnight when his daughter's niece went to the basement and heard shuffling sounds coming from the furnace room. The niece found Smith stuck between a large, older furnace and the wall. Smith's small frame—5 feet 7 inches and 130 pounds—allowed him to fit into a tight space that authorities had not detected during their initial searches. His position prevented him from speaking, making noise, or freeing himself, though signs indicated he had attempted to do so.

"I was completely and thoroughly impressed with how the Plainfield Police Department dug into this," his daughter, Renata Walton, said. She noted coordination involving "ambulatory work, to canines, drones, you name it." Walton had expressed concern about her father's mobility issues during the search, stating that his difficulty walking made the situation more stressful once darkness fell.

Smith was transported to JFK University Medical Center and was in stable condition. His family hoped he would return home on Wednesday.

Walton also informed her family about Project Lifesaver, a Union County program that uses electronic wristbands to help locate people with dementia or other conditions that may cause them to wander. Anyone with concerns about missing relatives can contact local police or inquire about the program through their municipality.

For police and public safety news in Plainfield, visit Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: How was Arthur Smith found?
A: Smith's daughter's niece heard shuffling sounds coming from the basement furnace room. She discovered him trapped between a large furnace and the wall, where his small frame had allowed him to fit into a tight space that search teams had not initially detected.

Q: How long was Arthur Smith missing?
A: Smith was missing for nearly 18 hours, from 6:30 a.m. Monday until late Monday night when he was found around 11:45 p.m.

Q: What is Project Lifesaver?
A: Project Lifesaver is a Union County program that uses electronic wristbands to help locate people with dementia or other conditions that may cause them to wander. Families can contact their local police department to inquire about enrollment.

Q: What agencies were involved in the search?
A: The search involved the Plainfield Police Department, county authorities, canines, drones, and specialized vehicles from other municipalities coordinating in a multi-agency response.

Q: Where was Arthur Smith taken after he was found?
A: Smith was transported to JFK University Medical Center, where he was in stable condition.

Q: What should I do if a family member goes missing?
A: Contact your local police department immediately. Departments can coordinate multi-agency searches and provide information about programs like Project Lifesaver to help locate missing residents.