Police and family search for missing 79-year-old woman last seen near Neuhoff Lane in north Charlotte

What is known about the disappearance

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are searching for a 79-year-old woman reported missing after she was last seen in north Charlotte during the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. A Missing and Endangered Alert was issued after investigators determined she meets the state’s criteria for an endangered missing person, a designation often used when cognitive impairment is a factor.

The woman, Nancy Brown, was last seen by family members around midnight at a residence in the 7000 block of Neuhoff Lane. Police said she was visiting family in Charlotte from New York City for the holidays and is not a local resident.

Description and items investigators say she may have

• Height/weight: approximately 5 feet 8 inches, about 140 pounds
• Hair/eyes: gray hair, brown eyes
• Possible clothing: teal coat and a white fedora-style hat
• Footwear: black sneakers
• Other: a black rolling suitcase

Why the case triggered a Missing and Endangered Alert

North Carolina’s Missing Endangered Alert system is used when law enforcement determines a missing person faces heightened risk. In cases involving cognitive impairment, the concern is that a person may become disoriented, be unable to communicate reliably, or place themselves in danger while trying to travel or return to a familiar location.

In this case, police said it is possible Brown became confused and may be attempting to return to New York City. Investigators have emphasized urgency because time and environmental exposure can increase risk in missing-person cases involving cognitive impairment.

What police asked the public to do

Investigators asked residents and businesses in the area to review surveillance footage from Saturday, Dec. 9, between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., a window that may capture movements shortly after she was last seen.

Police have asked for public help reviewing home and business surveillance footage from the hours immediately after the reported last sighting.

How to report information

Anyone who believes they have seen Brown or has information that could help locate her has been asked to call 911. Tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Police have continued to encourage nearby residents to check cameras, doorbell video, and any other recordings that could help establish a direction of travel or timeline.