Toronto police are searching for an elderly man who has gone missing

Toronto police are asking for the public's help in finding a missing man with Alzheimer's disease.

Norman Gray, also known as Bill, was last seen in North York around 12 a.m. Tuesday near W. Sheppard Avenue and Torbarry Road. At a press conference on Wednesday, Duty Insp. Scott Shute said police consider the search a top priority.

“He disappeared once before, but he came back of his own accord,” Schutt said, adding that Gray was taking medication for dementia.

“That was not the case in this case, so we are very concerned for his safety.”

Police described Gray as a 76-year-old black man. He is about five feet, ten inches tall, with gray curly hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a black baseball cap, a red and blue shirt, blue jeans, a black jacket and black and white shoes, Schutt added.

Gray's daughter Cassandra also spoke at the press conference, saying that if her father didn't respond to her name, she might respond to “you're Cassandra's father.”

“My parents are celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary and we want to bring it home,” she said, adding that she has lived in the area for about a decade.

“That's why we're so grateful for your help in the search for my father,” he said.

Cassandra, left, and Kimberly Gray, right, speak at a news conference Wednesday about the Toronto police search for their 76-year-old father, Norman “Bill” Gray. (Paul Smith/CBC)

Family said Gray enjoyed hiking, gardening and green spaces, and may have stopped by someone's property to do landscaping or garden viewing.

He's also been known to walk around the North York Sheridan Mall, his family added, especially the grocery stores near Jane Street and Wilson Avenue.

“He's a bit reserved, very kind. If you go near him, he'll talk to you,” said his other daughter, Kimberly Gray, who added that his loss had been “traumatic” for their family.

“He laughs … opens up and talks to you,” she said.

Schutt said police are asking for any information or security camera footage of Gray's whereabouts and want the public to check yards, sheds and “any other place a person can hide on their property.”