Police have issued an arrest warrant for a man in connection with the disappearance of a 62-year-old woman from an assisted living facility in Newton, Massachusetts.
Employees of CareOne told police they noticed Beth Birnbaum was missing around 2 p.m. Tuesday when they found her empty wheelchair outside the facility.
Police say 55-year-old David Collignan was seen leaving around that time with Birnbaum's clothing and other belongings. Employees say Collignan has been visiting Birnbaum at the facility.
CareOne released a statement Wednesday afternoon informing the public they are "working closely with local and state police to locate and secure the safety and well-being of Beth Birnbaum."
They added that due to patient privacy laws the center would not be providing any additional information about Birnbaum's health record.
Police say Birnbaum does not have the authority to check herself out of the facility and they're concerned for her safety.
Collignan is wanted for assault and battery on a disabled person.
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Birnbaum has a traumatic brain injury and is easily confused. Police say this could become a dire situation if she doesn't get medical treatment.
Police say Collignon is driving a grey 2015 Honda Fit with the license plate 744YR1.
Birnbaum was last seen wearing a green crew neck sweatshirt, pajama pants, glasses, and red moccasins
Due to her brain injury, she wears a black and white travel pillow around her neck.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Newton police.
