Traffic stop leads to finding missing man

On Friday, April 1, what started as a routine traffic stop led to Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers locating a missing Montana man.

Trooper Melanie Kress, riding with Field Training Officer Erin DeVries, stopped a southbound 2015 Ford F150 at mile marker 127 on Highway 20. Kress said she had passed the truck, which was driving on the shoulder with flashers on, and initiated the stop at the mouth of the canyon because she was concerned how the vehicle was traveling and it is also against the law to drive on the shoulder.

As she visited with the driver — identified as Reuben Pitsch, 83, of Montana — things started coming to light. Pitsch seemed confused and disoriented, and said he was heading to Hardin, Mont., despite heading in the opposite direction.

Kress contacted the Golden Valley Sheriff’s Department and found that Pitsch was missing since March 31 and had Alzheimer’s. Kress noted Pitsch did not become belligerent or violent, and was very nice.

Immediate attempts to contact family were unsuccessful, so troopers had an ambulance paged out from Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital. Pitsch was transported to the hospital until family members arrived.

Kress said this is the first time such an incident has happened to her. For those who come across drivers who appear disoriented, she recommends they initially contact local law enforcement as they can provide better resources for such situations. While contacting law enforcement, she said, make conversation with the person to try to keep them in one spot.

As people can’t legally hold others against their will, should drivers decide to leave it’s important to note the direction of travel and vehicle description, and provide that information to law enforcement.