Elderly Dementia Patient Wandered Away from Park: Police

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.

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