Authorities Search Pond For Missing Elderly Man's Car

ROUND LAKE PARK, IL – The search continues for an elderly man in Lake County who has been missing since earlier this month. On Wednesday morning, Grayslake Fire Protection District crews responded to a retention pond at the corner of Alleghany Road and Saddlebrook Drive for a report of a vehicle just under the water with a sunroof showing, according to a news release from the Grayslake Fire Protection District. With authorities still searching for Dale Kropke, 76, of Grayslake, crews brought sonar equipment to help determine if Kropke's vehicle was in the pond, authorities said.

Authorities were able to determine there was no vehicle in the retention pond, fire officials said.

Authorities urged area residents to continue to be vigelent in watching out for Kropke who was last spotted on the morning of March 4.

Kropke's 2010, four-door gold Toyota Prius was spotted driving past the Grayslake Fire Station 3 at 9:36 a.m. on March, according to a post on the Grayslake Fire Protection District Facebook page, and video captured the vehicle. Kropke lives in the nearby Saddlebrook Farms development. His license plate read: "BANI1."
Kropke is described as being 6-feet-tall with gray hair, blue eyes and light complexion. He uses a walker to help him get around.

Anyone with information regarding Kropke can contact the Round Lake Park Police Department at 847-270-9111.

Photo via the Round Lake Park Police Department