Update: Dementia Patient Likely Walked from Park to Towns

Updated 12:40 p.m. Saturday

An elderly man with severe dementia wandered away from a picnic and is considered a critical missing person, according to the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince George’s County Division.

Authorities are asking for the public’s help to find Lubin Phipps, 80, who was last seen about 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. He was participating in a senior picnic at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro.

On Saturday, authorities said Phipps remains missing and is no longer in Watkins Park. Police believe he likely ventured into the nearby communities of Mitchellville, Bowie, or Upper Marlboro.

He is described as a black man, 5’ 6” tall, thin build (142 lbs.), brown eyes, and grey, slicked-back hair. Phipps was last seen wearing a beige colored, long-sleeve shirt and tan pants (see accompanying picture, taken before the picnic).

Phipps immigrated here from the Virgin Islands and speaks with a heavy Creole accent. Much of what he might say to a stranger will likely reference the Virgin Islands, police say.

He is described as a fast and determined walker.

He suffers from severe dementia and may appear confused and distressed. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call the Maryland-National Capital Park Police Department at 301-459-3232.

»Photo of Lubin Phipps, courtesy of MNCPP