Missing Holden Man Found In Monday Night’s Freezing Cold

An autistic man whose father called authorities after he failed to come home from a walk on Monday was found in some woods. Wardens say last night's extreme temperatures made it a very dangerous situation.

Corporal John MacDonald with the Maine Warden's Service said in a press release that 25-year-old Joshua Webb left his home in Holden to go for a walk at around 4:00 on Monday afternoon. His father became concerned and called authorities at 7:00, explaining that his son has autism.

Holden Police asked for help from the Brewer Police, a Penobscot County Sheriff's office K9 Unit, Holden Fire/Rescue, and the Maine Warden Service. Fresh footprints were located in the snow along the railroad tracks near Wilson Street and so Penobscot County Deputy Ryan Allen deployed his K9 Dozer to track the man.

It took about an hour and a half to cover nearly two miles, but Webb was located in a large piece of woods between Wilson Street and Bagaduce Road. MacDonald said Webb was very cold, disoriented and was not dressed for Monday night's extreme temperatures. Capital Ambulance took him to St. Joseph's Hospital to be treated for a substantially decreased core temperature.

The Maine Warden Service reminds residents that hypothermia can set in very rapidly in the extreme temperatures we have been experiencing lately. People should monitor themselves and especially young children for the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Anyone recreating outdoors should dress accordingly, take a friend, and tell someone where they plan to go and when they plan to return.