Police looking for missing Falls man
Niagara Falls resident Christine Campigotto is appealing for help to find her missing husband, Gerry.
Campigotto said the 63-yearold has been missing since 8 a.m. Sunday.
She said it was at about 10:30 p.m. that night she realized Gerry was missing, and not out with a friend.
“We found out he took a cab from our home … and he … was dropped off at the … welcome centre on Murray Street.”
Campigotto said police have been looking for her husband, but have yet to find him.
She said Gerry was recently taken to hospital with severe back pains, and overdosed on medication.
Campigotto said her husband was for a time in the intensive care unit.
She said Gerry disappeared from home a few days after his release from hospital.
Campigotto said Gerry has never done this before and is a “very strong family man.”
She said on Saturday night, while she was out at work, Gerry went to the bank and took $80 out of a bank account.
She said his personal belongings were left at home.
“He didn’t even take ID with him.
“He left everything in case I needed it to take care of his affairs.”
Niagara Regional Police Const. Phil Gavin said police were notified at approximately 12:23 a.m. Monday.
Police sent out a media release Wednesday afternoon.
When asked why police waited this long to send out a media release, Gavin said: “There are some elements of this investigation that are private and out of respect for the family and Gerry, we had hoped to resolve the matter previously.”
He said officers and Gerry’s family remain concerned for his well-being.
“Each missing persons case is reviewed in their totality to determine what investigative steps will be undertaken. Missing persons cases can range significantly from repeat missing person cases who don’t wish to be found, persons who are experiencing medical issues, to foul play and/or misadventure.”
Gavin said to date, officers have checked multiple locations for Gerry.
He said detectives are actively investigating the matter and have been in contact with the respective border agencies.
Gavin said the Niagara Parks Police high angle river team has conducted a search of the gorge and shoreline along the Niagara River.
“Significant surveillance footage has also been reviewed,” he said.
In the release, police asked anyone with information to call them at 905-688-4111 ext. 2200 and reference 18-53356.