A $25,000 reward has been offered for information about missing 80-year-old Roberta “Bobbie” Braden who was last seen Sunday at a McDonald’s in Tempe.
Over 200 volunteers have searched throughout the Phoenix area to find Braden, according to a statement posted to the Find Roberta Louise Braden Facebook page.
Volunteers hiked through Phoenix wilderness in 100-degree heat, employed drones and police dogs, and used other search and rescue tactics, the post stated.
“We are thankful and astonished at the community response. We’re beyond grateful that the community has united in an effort to keep mom safe,” Braden’s son Derek Powell said.
Braden’s family said in a news release she left the house without telling them on the evening of May 1. They said they believe she wandered into south Phoenix, the Facebook page stated.
Her family said she has dementia and can easily get lost because of the confusion she experiences.
The family suggested people call out to her by her nickname, Bobbie.
Braden is 5 feet, 6 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds and has brown hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing a golf shirt, possibly cheetah print, dark pants and white shoes.
To contact Braden’s family with information people can call 623-295-9827, visit the Find Roberta Louise Braden Facebook page, or email findrobertabraden@gmail.com.
Anyone with information about Braden is asked to contact the Phoenix Police Department Missing Persons Unit at 602-534-2121 or daniel.nonnemacher@phoenix.gov. The after-hours number is 602-262-6151.
A GoFundMe page was set up to raise money for additional search resources. As of Friday morning, $45,748 was raised.
Reach breaking news reporter Amaris Encinas at amaris.encinas@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @amarisencinas.
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