Search for missing man moves to Metz Bridge area

A search continues for a man who has been missing since Sunday night after some of his personal items were discovered near a river.

Mike McDaniels, 67, of Newton, was last seen Sunday at about 10 p.m. at his half-brother's home, located in the 9500 block of Highway 6 East near Newton. Monday, McDaniel's van, fishing pole and tackle box were found along the South Skunk River near Metz Bridge, located on Neptune Street near South 44th Avenue West, southeast of Colfax.
However, there was no sign of McDaniels himself. A search began in the area — both in the river and along it — but McDaniels has not been located.

Chief Deputy Duane Rozendaal of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office said it’s possible McDaniels was swept into the river.

“He is listed as a missing person in the state of Iowa,” Rozendaal said.

The Colfax Fire Department, Grinnell Fire Department, Iowa Department of Natural Resources were among the agencies that aided in the search Tuesday, as far east as Highway 14.

“Based on the river’s level, if he had been swept down river, that’s about as far as we felt we needed to search,” Rozendaal said. “But we have also talked with all other counties down the river, all the way to the state line, to let them know what’s been going on.”

Rozendaal said an air search was discussed, but the low cloud ceiling Tuesday kept that from being practical. Thursday morning, he said it’s possible Jasper County personnel could be involved in more search efforts, but he wasn’t certain what those would be, as more discussions among different agencies are taking place.

Rozendaal said it’s possible other state or county agencies and resources might be called upon for help. He said Jasper County Sheriff’s personnel are not actively searching for McDaniels.

McDaniels stands 5-feet, 9-inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds. Rozendaal emphasized he is not wanted for any type of police questioning related to a crime; this is simply a welfare check that turned into a search.

Contact the Jasper County Sheriff's Office at 641-792-5912 with any information related to McDaniels' whereabouts.
Rozendaal said he is in regular contact with family of McDaniels, who have requested he not release their contact information to the media. He said it's tough to remain optimistic that McDaniels turns up safe and sound — especially as time goes on.

“I would love for him to walk into my office, and tell me he’s OK,” Rozendaal said. “But that doesn’t seem likely.”

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com