Missing Santa Rosa man found alive, in critical condition

A senior citizen who went missing a day earlier from his residential community in the Fountaingrove neighborhood of Santa Rosa was found Thursday afternoon in a creek bed about a half-mile from his home.

A news release issued by the Santa Rosa Police Department said he has been hospitalized in critical condition.

Richard Cleverly, 79, was reported missing just after 3 p.m. Wednesday. Police said he was last seen in the area of the 4200 block of Thomas Lake Harris Drive just after 2 p.m., wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt.

He was found at about 12:40 p.m. Thursday by Santa Rosa Police detectives.

Detective Sgt. Brandon Matthies with the Santa Rosa Police Department’s Violent Crimes unit said Cleverly was found during a search.

He said detectives believe he walked away from his residence.

Matthies said he couldn’t comment on Cleverly’s health. Nevertheless, he added that it’s assumed Cleverly’s limited mobility combined with the elements around his home caused him to fall and he was unable to get back up or call for help.

You can reach Staff Writer Sara Edwards at 707-521-5487 or sara.edwards@pressdemocrat. com. On Twitter @sedwards380.