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Still no sign of autistic man who walked away from Lincoln County rest home

LINCOLNTON, N.C. — The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office says there's still no sign of an autistic man who walked away from a rest home January 22.

Deputies said Richard Purdue, 53, was last seen on foot leaving Boger City Rest Home on Little Valley Lane in Lincolnton around 8:30 p.m.

Purdue is white with black hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 135 pounds. He was last seen wearing a royal blue hoodie and black sweat pants.

Purdue suffers from autism, schizophrenia and is bipolar, officials said.

Authorities have used search teams and a drone to help locate Purdue, but have not found him.

They say he does not have relatives in North Carolina and is not familiar with the area.

Anyone with information is asked the contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at (704) 732-9050 or the Lincoln County Communications Center at (704) 735-8202.