Search still on for man reported missing on Dec. 23

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Sheriff's Office reported on Dec. 30 that it is still looking for a 64-year-old man reported missing on Dec. 23 by relatives.

At mid-day on Friday, Sheriff Tom Jones reported there was no new information regarding the disappearance of Dan Toya, who is described as an Asian man standing 5-9 and weighing 180.

Toya is a Moses Lake area farmer. He was reportedly in good health and good spirits when last in contact with his family.

Jones has provided a photograph of Toya and another of his golden Labrador retriever Molly, which was with him the last time he was seen. 

According to Jones, Toya's wife reported that Toya took Molly to a vet and then planned to walk the dog. She contacted family members when Toya did not return later. A relative found Toya's truck at the Samson's beach area, and Jones's office was called.

According to Jones, searchers worked through the night but never made contact with Toya or the dog. The search was suspended at about 2 p.m. the next day. Jones remains in contact with the family and has assigned a detective to the case.

“We have brought to bear all the resources we could muster,” Jones said on the 30th.

Those include ground search parties, a helicopter, search dogs and a sonar boat. The boat did an extensive search of the Potholes Reservoir and came up with no clues. It was unable to access iced-over areas.

Anyone with information that could possibly help is asked to call 762-1160 or send the information to crimetips@co.grant.wa.us.