Ocean City police say missing elderly couple located

Last Updated on Monday, December 10, 2012 11:27 am Written by Ann Richardson Sunday, December 09, 2012 07:33 pm

(UPDATE) OCEAN CITY —An elderly couple missing since Saturday afternoon were found in good physical condition late this evening in Jackson, NJ. Captain Steve Ang of the Ocean City Police Department said police are currently working on reuniting the couple with their family.

"Additional information will be available in the morning," Ang said late Sunday evening, Dec. 9.

The OCPD issued a missing persons “silver alert” earlier on Sunday for the two missing Glenwood Drive residents. John E. Bligh, 78 and Ellen E. Bligh were last seen by family members at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8 driving away from their home. Family members told police that the couple frequents McDonald’s in Ocean City and Shop Rite, Dunkin’ Donuts and Burger King in Marmora. They regularly attend St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ocean City.

The vehicle they were riding in is a white, 2004 Toyota Camry with a New Jersey license tag ZBE8OJ. The rear bumper has a magnet on it that reads “Keep Christ in Christmas.”

According to Ang, a similar incident occurred in 2010 when the couple was found in Harvey Cedars, N.J. The couple also owns a home in Rockville, MD but they have not lived there for several years.

Ang said the family believes that both persons become confused at times and may be in the early stages of dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease, although neither has been diagnosed by a medical professional.

John E. Bligh is 5’11” and weighs 220 pounds. He has blue eyes and gray hair. He was possibly wearing a flannel shirt. Ellen E. Bligh is 5’5” and weighs 125 pounds. She has green eyes and gray/white hair and was wearing plastic framed glasses.

All information should be directed to the Ocean City Police Department (609) 399-9111 or your local police department.

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