Man and dog missing since December 23

Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones today shared the following information regarding the search for missing Moses Lake area resident Dan Toya, who went missing Friday, December 23.

Also missing is Toya’s 10-month-old golden retriever, Molly. Molly had accompanied Toya, and it is believed they were still together on a walk near Samson’s Beach. The dog was wearing a reflective red-orange collar and may also have been connected to a chain leash.

A side-scanning sonar boat from Boise, Idaho is enroute to search the portion of the Potholes Reservoir near where Toya’s unoccupied pickup truck was found. It is likely the boat will launch Wednesday morning to begin the search.

“Searchers continued their efforts throughout the weekend,” said Sheriff Tom Jones. “Their efforts have been extraordinary, and with the deployment of a sonar boat, we will have exhausted all resources in the search for Dan.”

Toya is a 64-year-old Asian male, 5'-09" tall, weighing 180 lbs. He was last seen Friday, December 23, wearing a dark-colored jacket, blue jeans and tennis shoes. His unoccupied pickup truck was found Friday evening near Samson’s Beach off Road K.5-SE, about 10 miles south of the City of Moses Lake. He would have been accompanied by Molly, his dog.

Anyone with possible information should call the Grant County Sheriff's Office at 509-762-1160, or send information to crimetips@co.grant.wa.us. Tipsters can remain anonymous.