A Silver Alert was issued early Tuesday in Washington County after 58‑year‑old James L. Whitaker was reported missing from his home in the town of Pomeroy, prompting a coordinated search by local law enforcement, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington State Patrol.
Background
Whitaker, a retired school bus driver and father of three adult children, was last seen by his neighbor on the evening of Feb. 20, 2026, when he left his residence to take his medication and never returned. Neighbors reported that his front door was unlocked and his vehicle, a silver 2012 Ford Escape, was parked in the driveway. Family members, who discovered his absence the following morning, immediately contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, which confirmed that Whitaker was not known to have any medical conditions that would cause him to wander, and there were no signs of a struggle at his home.
The Investigation
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, working with the Washington State Patrol, the local police department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Missing Persons Unit, activated the Silver Alert system to broadcast Whitaker’s description and vehicle information across state highways and media outlets. Search teams deployed K‑9 units, aerial drones equipped with thermal imaging, and a volunteer search‑and‑rescue group to canvass wooded areas, nearby farms, and the Columbia River shoreline. Investigators are reviewing security camera footage from the surrounding neighborhood and have issued a public request for anyone who saw Whitaker or his vehicle between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Feb. 20 to call the sheriff’s office. At this time, law enforcement has not disclosed any evidence suggesting foul play, but the investigation remains active.
Key Takeaways
- Missing person: James L. Whitaker, 58, of Pomeroy, Washington.
- Silver Alert activation date: Feb. 21, 2026, covering all Washington state highways and bordering counties.
- Vehicle: Silver 2012 Ford Escape, license plate WA‑5J 789.
- Search resources: K‑9 units, drones, aerial support, volunteer search teams, and statewide media alerts.
- No confirmed signs of foul play; investigation ongoing.
What's Next
Authorities will continue to sweep the surrounding rural terrain and monitor tips received through the sheriff’s tip line. A follow‑up press conference is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 27, at 10:00 a.m. at the Washington County Courthouse, where investigators will provide any new leads. Family members have set up a donation page to assist with search costs and have asked the public to respect their privacy while remaining vigilant for any information that could aid the investigation.