Investigators leading the search for Richard D. May said Tuesday that they now know the Winfield man visted a friend in Oklahoma on the day he was last seen.
The friend confirmed to Winfield police that May was in Pawhuska, Okla. around 5 p.m. on Dec. 10, which is the last day anyone has reported seeing him, says Winfield Police investigator Chad Gordon. May, 77, visted friends in Oklahoma from time to time.
"We know he was in Pawhuska and he left and was supposed to be headed to Newkirk," Gordon said. "Well, he never made it to Newkirk."
Police and an investigator from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, following up on information received during the investigation, were in Oklahoma Monday conducting interviews in the case. Gordon released the latest information in hopes someone in Oklahoma saw May.
Police believe May was driving a champagne colored 2002 Ford Windstar at the time of his disappearance. The vehicle had damage to the right fender that had been spray painted either gray or silver.
May was most familiar to Winfield residents as the Harmonica Man because he was often seen publicly playing a harmonic. He is a long-time local resident.
Gordon has been assigned to lead the search for May and said finding the man was a high priority. He said there was no reason so far to believe foul play was involved in the man’s disappearance.
"Obviously, we need to find and make contact with Mr. May," Gordon said. "And the longer this stretches out, the more concern we have for his well being."
May was last in contact with his family Nov. 30 but was seen as recently as Dec. 10. He was reported missing Dec. 31.
