Cabarrus County, North Carolina, January 2, 2026
Authorities are seeking the public’s help to locate Bobby Ray Sells, a 78-year-old man missing since January 1, 2026. Last seen near his home, concerns grow due to his medical conditions that may affect his memory. The Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office has initiated a search and encourages community vigilance, urging anyone with information to contact law enforcement immediately.
Concord, North Carolina
Authorities in Cabarrus County are urgently appealing to the public for assistance in locating 78-year-old Bobby Ray Sells, who has been missing since Wednesday afternoon. Sells was last observed around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, near his home located on Cabarrus Station Road. Concerns for his well-being are heightened due to medical conditions he experiences, which may impact his memory and judgment.
Immediate Public Appeal for Information
The Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office has launched an active search operation and is distributing his description widely, urging anyone who might have seen Sells or possesses any information regarding his whereabouts to come forward without delay. His safety is paramount, and every piece of information, no matter how small it may seem, could be crucial in ensuring his safe return.
Description and Last Known Attire
Bobby Ray Sells is described as a white man, standing 5-feet, 9-inches tall, and weighing approximately 190 pounds. He has distinguishable grey hair and blue eyes. When he was last seen, Sells was wearing blue jeans, a green Carhartt jacket, and a baseball cap. This detailed description is vital for public identification, and authorities request that individuals remain vigilant for anyone matching this appearance.
Location of Disappearance and Search Area
Sells was last seen specifically near his residence on Cabarrus Station Road. This area, encompassing both residential and potentially more rural or wooded sections, is the primary focus of initial search efforts. Residents in and around Cabarrus Station Road, as well as those traversing nearby routes, are particularly asked to review any home surveillance footage or dashcam recordings from Wednesday afternoon that might capture his image or movements. The community’s cooperation in meticulously checking their properties, including outbuildings and less-frequented areas, is also highly encouraged.
Medical Concerns Elevate Urgency
The urgency of finding Bobby Ray Sells is significantly amplified by his known medical conditions. These conditions are understood to potentially impair his memory and judgment, which could make him disoriented or unable to seek assistance if lost. This aspect makes him particularly vulnerable, underscoring the critical need for immediate public involvement and a swift resolution to the search. Authorities are concerned that he might not remember how to return home or be able to communicate effectively if approached.
How to Report Information
The Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office is the central point of contact for all information pertaining to Bobby Ray Sells’ disappearance. Members of the public who believe they have seen Sells or have any pertinent details are strongly advised to contact emergency services by calling 911. Alternatively, individuals can directly reach the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office at their non-emergency number, 704-920-3000. It is important to provide as much detail as possible when reporting, including the time, location, and any specific observations made. Authorities emphasize that individuals should not attempt to approach Sells if sighted, but instead immediately contact law enforcement to ensure a safe and professional response.
Community Role in Missing Persons Cases
Missing persons cases, especially involving vulnerable individuals, often rely heavily on community engagement and collective vigilance. The swift dissemination of information and the active participation of residents in checking their surroundings and reporting potential sightings can significantly impact the outcome of a search. The collective eyes and ears of the community serve as an invaluable resource for law enforcement agencies. This collaborative approach between the public and law enforcement is fundamental in resolving such situations efficiently and safely. Every resident in Cabarrus County is encouraged to play an active role in keeping an eye out for Bobby Ray Sells.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the name of the missing individual?
- The missing individual is 78-year-old Bobby Ray Sells.
- When was Bobby Ray Sells last seen?
- Bobby Ray Sells was last seen around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2026.
- Where was Bobby Ray Sells last seen?
- He was last seen near his home on Cabarrus Station Road in Cabarrus County, North Carolina.
- What are the key physical descriptors for Bobby Ray Sells?
- Bobby Ray Sells is a white man, 5-feet, 9-inches tall, weighing approximately 190 pounds, with grey hair and blue eyes.
- What was Bobby Ray Sells wearing when he was last seen?
- He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a green Carhartt jacket, and a baseball cap.
- Why is there heightened concern for Bobby Ray Sells’ well-being?
- Concerns are heightened because he suffers from medical conditions that may impair his memory and judgment.
- How can the public provide information about Bobby Ray Sells’ whereabouts?
- Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office at 704-920-3000.
Key Information Summary
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Bobby Ray Sells | Local |
| Age | 78 years old | Local |
| Last Seen Date | Wednesday, January 1, 2026 | Local |
| Last Seen Time | Around 1:30 p.m. | Local |
| Last Seen Location | Near his home on Cabarrus Station Road, Cabarrus County, North Carolina | Local |
| Height | 5-feet, 9-inches | Local |
| Weight | Approximately 190 pounds | Local |
| Hair Color | Grey | Local |
| Eye Color | Blue | Local |
| Last Known Attire | Blue jeans, a green Carhartt jacket, and a baseball cap | Local |
| Medical Concerns | Suffers from medical conditions that may impair his memory and judgment | Local |
| Contact for Information | 911 or Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office (704-920-3000) | Local |
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