Idaho Falls authorities have issued an endangered missing person alert for a 37-year-old man who was last seen leaving a local hotel on foot earlier this week, with law enforcement expressing concern for his wellbeing.
Eric Vineyard, 37, was last seen Wednesday when he checked out of the Country Inn and Suites in Idaho Falls. His current whereabouts remain unknown, and investigators believe he may be in a vulnerable mental state.
“Police believe Eric is experiencing a manic episode and fear for his safety. If located, do not approach,” reads the Idaho State Police alert.
Vineyard is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. When last seen, he was wearing a baseball jersey bearing the number 23, white Jordan shoes, and a straw hat.
The do-not-approach warning signals that officers want trained personnel to make contact with Vineyard rather than members of the public, given the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Anyone who spots Vineyard is asked to call the Pocatello Police Department at (208) 234-6100 rather than intervening directly.
This disappearance follows a series of recent public safety incidents across eastern Idaho. An Idaho Falls woman was killed after a vehicle ran a stop sign on US-26 near Iona, and a separate crash on US-26 near Ririe claimed another life and sent four people to the hospital.
What Comes Next
The endangered missing person alert remains active. Residents throughout Bonneville County and surrounding areas are encouraged to stay alert for anyone matching Vineyard’s description and to contact law enforcement immediately if he is spotted. Do not attempt to detain or approach him.