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Purple alert in effect after elderly Florida man goes missing

Frederick Blackwelder, 71, may be traveling in Toyota Scion

Frederick Blackwelder, 71 (Lakeland Police Department)

LAKELAND, Fla. – A Purple Alert was issued in Florida on Wednesday after a 71-year-old Lakeland man went missing, according to the police department.

In a release, local officials said that the man — Frederick Blackwelder — was last known to be near the 1500 block of Ariana Street.

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“A family member reported Mr. Blackwelder missing after unsuccessful attempts to make contact with him over the weekend,” the release reads.

City officials added that Blackwelder is believed to be driving a 2006 Toyota Scion with a Florida license plate reading “665-3VY.”

An image of the 2006 Toyota Scion that Blackwelder may be driving (Lakeland Police Department)

Blackwelder is described as standing 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing around 211 pounds. He has grey hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact police at (863) 834-6966.


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