Peter Beard, the 82-year-old artist and photographer, went missing from his home in Montauk eight days ago, and the search has been scaled back with each passing day.
"It was an extensive and exhaustive search," Chief Michael Sarlo said on Tuesday. "The quick response by Suffolk Police Aviation and the state trooper K-9 units gave us the best chance of locating him immediately after being reported missing."
Mr. Beard, who suffers from dementia, wandered away from his house near Deep Hollow Ranch on March 31. His family last saw him at 4:40 p.m. He did not return, and after trying without success to find him, they reported him missing at about 6:30.
In addition to a county helicopter and state K-9 units, drones were used in the search. Upward of 100 police officers and Montauk Fire Department personnel combed the woods and coastline. Officers also went house to house looking for any sign of Mr. Beard.
The State Forest Service used GPS field grid mapping, and four-wheel-drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and bicycles were also used.
"Of course we are disappointed in the results, and it is always so difficult for the family when we cannot close a case quickly. We will continue to pursue all investigatory angles in this case," Chief Sarlo said.
Detectives are continuing to follow up on tips. Two detectives were out on the bluffs on Tuesday, but found nothing.
Three days after he went missing, Mr. Beard's daughter, Zara Beard, posted on her Instagram page over the weekend that she was thankful for the efforts of law enforcement agencies. "I know this is the most difficult time, amidst a pandemic, to ask for your help. It is a time when we need to stay at home for the good of everyone around us, but my father is out there somewhere, missing." She thanked anyone able to continue the search for her father while respecting the social distancing protocols.
Ms. Beard did not return requests for comment.
Anyone with information has been asked to call detectives at 631-537-7575.
