Drones, K9s, Chopper Assist In Search For Missing Man In Palos

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — Palos Heights police found a vehicle Tuesday morning belonging to a man reported missing in Morgan Park. The vehicle was found parked in the roadway, near 118th Street and Harlem Avenue.

Around 4 a.m., a passing motorist called 911 to report an unoccupied vehicle parked in the roadway near the Cal-Sag Bridge over Harlem Avenue. The vehicle was registered to Joshua Blair, 37, of Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood. Blair’s belongings, including his phone and wallet, were found inside the vehicle.

Attempts to find Blair were unsuccessful. Palos Heights police contacted his family, who confirmed that Blair left home at 3 a.m. and had not been heard from since, police said.

For the next several hours, the southbound lane on the bridge was closed to traffic as officers searched the area by police drone, police K9s, and the Palos Heights Fire Protection District marine unit. A Chicago Police Department helicopter also flew over surrounding areas, including the Cal-Sag Canal and nearby bike paths. Blair has not been located.

Blair is considered missing and endangered. He is described as 5-feet, 5-inches tall, approximately 155 pounds, and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, and gray Nike shoes.

“We are deeply concerned for Mr. Blair’s safety and are working diligently to bring him home,” said Deputy Chief John Parnitzke, of the Palos Heights Police Department. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”

Aside from Blair's vehicle being found in Palos Heights, it is unknown if he has any friends or connections to the community.

Parnitzke told Patch Tuesday evening that there have been no new relevant leads since no new relevant leads since the morning.

Anyone with information regarding Joshua Blair’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Palos Heights Police Department at 708-448-5060 or email GroupDetectives@palosheightspd.org

This story has been updated with new information.