Belleville Search for Missing Man Ends Without Breakthrough

BELLEVILLE – The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department said Friday afternoon, May 29, 2026, that a search and rescue operation in Belleville’s Signal Hill neighborhood for missing 64-year-old Douglas “Scott” Litsey has concluded for now without locating him, as authorities continue to seek information from the public.

The sheriff’s office released the update at 1:29 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, saying attempts to locate Litsey were unsuccessful “at this time” and that efforts will continue as more information becomes available.

Litsey was reported missing on May 24, 2026, from his home in the Signal Hill neighborhood of Belleville, according to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department Investigative Division. Investigators determined he was last seen on May 21, 2026, on surveillance in the area near his residence, including the 200 block of Hazel Avenue in the Signal Hill area of Belleville.

Authorities described Litsey as a 64-year-old white man who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and has a gray beard. He was last seen wearing light-colored pants, possibly blue jeans, and a dark short-sleeved T-shirt.

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department said Litsey left his wallet and phone at home. Authorities also said he has dementia, may not answer to his name when confused, and does not have access to his medications.

Earlier, the sheriff’s department said it was conducting a search and rescue operation in the Signal Hill area with the Signal Hill Fire Department, St. Clair County Special Emergency Services, and the S.A.R. K9 group. The department said fire personnel, officers with K-9 units and UTVs were involved, and that the Signal Hill Fire Department was being used as a command post.

Anyone with information about Litsey’s whereabouts is asked to contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department at 618-825-2051 and reference case No. 26-04907.

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