Louisville issues Golden Alert for missing Thomas Riedley, who has early-onset dementia and left home

Golden Alert issued as police seek help locating missing Louisville resident

Louisville Metro Police issued a Golden Alert on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, for a missing man identified as Thomas Riedley. The alert was issued after police said Riedley left his home the previous evening and may be disoriented due to early-onset dementia.

Police said Riedley left his residence in the 100 block of Crews Drive at about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Authorities described the case as time-sensitive because cognitive impairment can affect a person’s ability to recognize surroundings, follow directions, or seek assistance—factors that can complicate search efforts and increase risk, particularly overnight and during colder months.

What police have released about the vehicle and clothing

Investigators said Riedley was last seen driving a silver Lincoln MKC with a handicap license plate numbered 9353FT. Police described the clothing he was last seen wearing as a light-colored long-sleeve shirt and a flannel jacket.

Golden Alerts are designed to quickly disseminate identifying details—such as last known location, vehicle information, and clothing—so members of the public and law enforcement agencies can spot a person who may not be able to safely navigate home without help.

• Missing person: Thomas Riedley

• Last seen: about 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026

• Last known location: 100 block of Crews Drive, Louisville

• Vehicle: silver Lincoln MKC with handicap plate 9353FT

• Clothing: light-colored long-sleeve shirt and a flannel jacket

How the Golden Alert framework works in Kentucky

Kentucky law provides for a Golden Alert mechanism for missing “impaired” individuals, with required reporting and coordination steps involving local emergency management and search-and-rescue coordination. The framework is intended to accelerate the flow of information to the public and relevant agencies when a missing person’s condition presents a credible threat to health or safety.

Anyone who has information about Riedley’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Louisville Metro Police tip line at (502) 574-LMPD (5673).

What residents can do—and what to avoid

Authorities are asking residents to remain alert for the described vehicle and to contact police rather than attempting to intervene directly. In missing-person cases involving cognitive impairment, officers typically advise the public to prioritize quick reporting of sightings, locations, and direction of travel so trained responders can assess safety and provide appropriate assistance.