Is police officer John Stewart Beasley missing? Viral posts explored as Greeley police respond

On Monday, January 6, 2024, social media platform Facebook erupted with posts that alleged police officer John Stewart Beasley was missing. A post on the Facebook page, The Mole, who claimed to be a “journalist” with 23,000 followers, alleged police officer John Stewart Beasley, 46, disappeared on Sunday morning from Penrith, Washington.

Alleging John Stewart Beasley’s truck was found Sunday night with his son inside, the post added:

“But unfortunately, there is still no sign of him. He is 5’7” and 170 lbs. A silver alert has been issued for John who is considered to possibly be in EXTREME danger and in need of medical assistance. We are asking for the community's help.”

Another Facebook account, Roscommon community garage sale, with 9000 followers, alleged John Beasley was missing from the county in Michigan. The post said:

“His truck was found last night with his son inside but unfortunately, there is still no sign of him. He is 5’7” and 170 lbs. A silver alert has been issued for John who is considered to possibly be in EXTREME danger and in need of medical assistance. We are asking for the community's help. ONLY TAKES 2 SECONDS to share.”

The posts sparked concern online, with many community members sharing them to amplify the message about Beasley’s disappearance in hopes of generating leads to his whereabouts. It appears the post was also shared in Greeley, Colorado, prompting the police department to address the community's concern.

In a statement on Facebook, the Greeley police department said the report of John Beasley’s disappearance circulating on social media was false.

The police said:

“We have gotten a number of inquiries on this post, regarding an officer named John Stewart Beasley who was reported missing from Greeley. Please note this is a false post. While we whole-heartedly appreciate our community's concern, we do not have an officer by this name, nor is he missing.”

Police officer John Stewart Beasley was reported missing in 2018

It appears the posts alleging police officer John Stewart Beasley is missing are false. Baytown police officer John Stewart Beasley was reported missing in 2018. According to an ABC report from 2018, Beasley was last seen on Thursday, August 2, 2018, while leaving his home in the Cove area.

However, a few days later he was tragically found dead near his home with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Lt. Steve Dorris of the Baytown Police Department said at the time:

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"This is all too common in our business. The truth is, we may never know what led this to occur, but what we do know is, it's a tragedy. We lost a brother. We lost somebody we love."

CHRON reported at the time the 23-year veteran officer was described as a "positive" and "upbeat" individual.

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