Missing retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William McCasland search continues

Authorities searching for missing retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William “Neil” McCasland are investigating a new development after hiking boots believed to belong to the missing general were found at his vacation home, officials said Monday.

Investigators said they are still working to determine whether the boots are connected to McCasland’s disappearance; This incident continued into the third week.

At a press conference on Monday, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office said there had been no confirmed sightings of the 68-year-old aerospace engineer and that a Silver Alert issued for him was still in effect.

Authorities said McCasland was last seen leaving his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, around 11 a.m. on Feb. 27.

MISSING RETIRED AIR FORCE GENERAL CONSULTED UFOS FOR BLINK-182’S TOM DELONG

Investigators noted that he left his phone, glasses and wearable devices at home. However, many of his personal belongings, including his wallet, gun and holster, are still missing. Investigators also said Monday that a red backpack was missing.

Earlier that morning, McCasland was seen talking to a handyman at his home around 9 to 10 a.m., according to authorities.

The mechanic described McCasland as being in a “mental haze,” but investigators said there was no indication that he was disoriented or confused, describing him as a “highly intelligent, highly capable” person.

“Out of an abundance of caution, with the information we were previously given, we elevated the call to Silver Alert,” said an official with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.

RETIRED AIR FORCE GENERAL GOT MISSING FROM HIS HOME, HIS GUN AND WALLET MISSING

Authorities have issued a Silver Alert for Retirees. Major General William Neil McCasland. (Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office)

Authorities said McCasland disappeared within about an hour while his wife was not home for an appointment.

Search teams also found a U.S. Air Force sweatshirt about a mile from McCasland’s home, but investigators have not confirmed whether the item belonged to him.

McCasland is described as 6 feet, 11 inches tall, with white hair and blue eyes, and was last seen wearing a light green, button-up outdoor shirt with two chest pockets.

GOT A TIP?

Authorities believe he left his home on foot.

The retired general is known to be an avid outdoorsman who frequently hikes, runs and bikes in Albuquerque’s Northeast Hills and the nearby Sandia Mountain Range, where search teams focused some of their efforts.

FOLLOW US ON X

McCasland previously commanded Kirtland Air Force Base’s Phillips Research Site and Air Force Research Laboratory. (Kirtland Air Force Base)

Authorities said they received dozens of tips and urged residents to check home security videos taken between Feb. 27 and Feb. 28. Investigators say this is a critical window in the search.

The FBI joined the search on March 3 and assisted local authorities as the investigation continued.

GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL

Although investigators said they found no evidence of foul play, authorities emphasized that no scenario was ruled out.

McCasland’s wife, Susan McCasland Wilkerson, also pushed back on speculation that his disappearance was tied to his past military duties.

CLICK HERE FOR OTHER USA NEWS

“It is true that Neil had access to some highly classified programs and information while in the Air Force,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “He retired from AF almost 13 years ago and has only taken very frequent leave since then.”

Before retiring in 2013, McCasland commanded the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio and holds a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

Despite speculation on the Internet, his wife said she had no specific knowledge of aliens or the Roswell incident.

Authorities ask anyone with information on McCasland’s whereabouts to text BCSO at 847411 or call the sheriff’s Missing Persons Unit at 505-468-7070.