Missing man may be in Wellington

Police trying to locate an intellectually disabled man missing overnight from Palmerston North, believe he may be in the Wellington area.

Karl McGlinchy, aged 30, was reported missing from his residential care facility at Aokautere, near Palmerston North when he failed to return from a bike ride. His bike was located on SH57 where it passes through Aokautere.

It is believed he abandoned his bike and possibly hitch-hiked into Palmerston North city. There was a sighting of a man believed to be Karl in The Square around 7.45pm.

Police have now received information that approximately 8.45am today his bank account was activated in Upper Hutt. Police are making enquiries to establish whether he took a train to Wellington and Police in Wellington are now assisting with enquiries to try to locate Karl.

Karl is described as approximately 152cm tall with yellowish hair. He was last seen wearing a black, Michael Jackson t-shirt, black shorts and hiking boots. He suffers from a condition which means he has noticeably small hands and feet. He is also someone who is drawn to food locations and areas where there are groups of young people.

He is on medication but there are no immediate concerns in relation to him not taking this medication.

He has some connections to the Wairarapa and it is possible he may be trying to make his way there either using public transport or hitch-hiking.

Anyone with information regarding Karl and his whereabouts are asked to contact Palmerston North Police on 06 351 3600 or Sgt Greg Hogan, Police Search and Rescue on 027 499 0180.

ENDS

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