Thick brush slows search for missing elderly man at Pine Flat Lake
The wife of missing Fresno County man Donald Thomas announced Friday she is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to his discovery.
The search continues for the 77-year-old Thomas, who disappeared June 5 from his home near Pine Flat in Fresno County.
Nothing new has surfaced during the search, Tony Botti, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office spokesman, said Thursday. Dozens of search and rescue members continue to work around the clock looking for him.
The dense tangle of trees, bushes and grass is difficult to penetrate and has frustrated the search and rescue process.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Command Post has been moved to Lakeview Marina at Pine Flat, a 40-minute drive from Fresno.
Botti said it’s believed Thomas left his home near Trimmer Springs and Sunnyslope roads about 5 p.m. June 5.
Thomas is white, 5 feet 5 inches tall with a thin build and brown eyes. He has brownish-gray hair and is partially bald. He was last seen wearing a white shirt that reads “Pine Flat Lake Marina,” blue and white swim trunks and brown shoes.
If you’ve seen someone matching Thomas’ description, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 559-600-3111.
JoAnna Kroeker: 559-441-6247, @jobethkroeker
This story was originally published June 9, 2016 at 10:25 PM with the headline "Thick brush slows search for missing elderly man at Pine Flat Lake."