Bristol man reported missing last seen in Providence
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — The family of a Bristol man who was reported missing three weeks ago is hoping someone will come forward with information about his whereabouts.
Darryl Pona was last seen Sept. 22 at a Dunkin' Donuts shop on Broad Street in Providence.
Pona, 59, lives in Bristol, but takes the bus daily to Broad Street to see his friends.
"He really thinks he’s the mayor of Broad Street," said Lita King, Pona’s niece.
The day he was reported missing, family members said he had been wearing jeans, a gray shirt with yellow sleeves and New Balance sneakers.
Pona is 5 feet 4 inches tall with gray and brown hair and weighs about 165 pounds.
He also suffers from epilepsy and has a lot of seizures. His family said he’s in and out of the hospital a lot.
"The fact that’s he’s a disabled man, with a condition that could literally kill him, the police should be going out there and searching for this gentleman,” said King. “If he fell somewhere and hit his head somewhere and he’s incapacitated, how are we going to know that?"
According to King, sometimes Pona liked to drink.
It’s been nearly three weeks and the family has heard nothing.
“It’s been very difficult because we know this is not like him,” she said. “He’s not a person to disappear. He’s not. And he will always find his way back home.”
Family members said on occasion he would sleep at the U-Haul lot off of Broad Street but he wasn’t homeless, noting they don’t know who would want to harm him.
“If anyone has seen or heard from him, or knows about a situation, or if someone has him or if someone has done anything to him please come forward,” said King. “We just want to find him. We just want to know he’s OK. Don’t be afraid to speak up. We just want to know he’s OK and that he’s safe and we'll go get him.”
According to King,they’ve called every hospital, every jail, every treatment center and haven’t received any information that could lead to him being found.
She said Pona is a father, a grandfather and friend to many who’s missed.
"Just know that Darryl Pona, he does matter," said King. "He’s my uncle, I love him, and I want him to return home safely."
Anyone with information on Pona’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Providence Police Department at 401-272-3121.