HYANNIS – The multi-day search for a missing West Barnstable woman suffering from dementia is transitioning from large-scale active search operations to a more targeted investigative approach, according to a statement from Barnstable Police Thursday evening.
The statement stressed that the investigation to find Clare Fearon, 76, is not slowing down, and investigators are not giving up. However, they said the change “reflects the reality that extensive searches have been conducted and that the most productive path forward is now the careful evaluation and follow-up of investigative leads and incoming information. “
Instead of daily widespread search on the ground, investigators will now focus on:
- Following up on all credible information.
- Reassessing previously developed leads.
- Reviewing investigative findings.
- Evaluating new tips received from the public.
- Coordinating with partner agencies as necessary.
Poliec say that should new information emerge that warrants additional search operations, resources remain available and can be rapidly deployed.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT FROM BARNSTABLE POLICE BELOW:
The Barnstable Police Department today provided an update to the media regarding the ongoing investigation and search efforts for Clare Fearon, a 76-year-old West Barnstable resident who was reported missing on November 5, 2026.
First and foremost: The Barnstable Police Department remains fully committed to finding Clare and bringing answers to her family. That commitment has not changed and will not change.
On Thursday, November 5, 2026, at approximately 3:40 p.m., the Barnstable Police Department received information that Clare Fearon, who suffers from dementia, was missing. A family member reported that Clare had gone for a walk at approximately 10:00 a.m. and had not returned home. Clare did not have her cellphone or money with her when she left for the walk.
An immediate search operation was initiated. Over the past several days, an extraordinary number of resources have been dedicated to both the search effort and the ongoing investigation. Law enforcement officers, search and rescue personnel, fire service personnel, specialized teams, drone operators, ATV teams, and regional and state partners have worked tirelessly in an effort to locate Clare.
The Barnstable Police Department would like to express its sincere appreciation to Chief Paananen and Deputy Chief Morrison of the West Barnstable Fire Department for their continued support, leadership, and assistance throughout this search.
Since Clare was reported missing, investigators and search teams have:
- Today an additional184 acres were searched that had not been searched previously
- Conducted extensive searches of wooded areas in West Barnstable covering more than 1,943 acres.
- Utilized drones and aerial assets from the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing to search more than 849 acres.
- Deployed ATV teams to access remote and difficult terrain.
- Utilized water-based search assets from the Massachusetts Environmental Police.
- Conducted coordinated operations with members of the Cape Cod Regional SWAT Team.
- Worked alongside the Cape Cod Law Enforcement Council Search and Rescue Team, the Barnstable County Fire Technical Rescue Team, and the Massachusetts State Police SERT Team.
- Utilized K-9 teams from the Barnstable Police Department, Yarmouth Police Department, Mashpee Police Department, Falmouth Police Department, Massachusetts State Police K-9 Unit, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, and Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office.
- Followed up on information and tips provided by members of the public.
Despite these comprehensive efforts, Clare has not yet been located.
As with any missing person investigation, there comes a point when search operations evolve based upon the information available and the work already completed.
At this time, the investigation is transitioning from large-scale active search operations to a more targeted investigative approach.
This transition does not mean the investigation is slowing down, and it does not mean we are giving up. Rather, it reflects the reality that extensive searches have been conducted and that the most productive path forward is now the careful evaluation and follow-up of investigative leads and incoming information.
Moving forward, investigators will focus on:
- Following up on all credible information.
- Reassessing previously developed leads.
- Reviewing investigative findings.
- Evaluating new tips received from the public.
- Coordinating with partner agencies as necessary.
Should new information emerge that warrants additional search operations, resources remain available and can be rapidly deployed.
Detectives continue to actively investigate Clare’s disappearance.
Investigators have worked extensively to establish Clare’s movements and have coordinated with numerous agencies and organizations as part of those efforts.
Investigators have determined that Clare went to Barnstable Market on the morning of November 5. She drove to the market at approximately 9:00 a.m. Surveillance footage captured Clare wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt, black pants, and black shoes. She departed the market at approximately 9:30 a.m., returned home, and later left for a walk at approximately 10:00 a.m.
The Barnstable Police Department also coordinated with the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) and determined that Clare was not picked up by and did not travel on any CCRTA buses.
Every credible lead continues to be thoroughly investigated.
At this time:
- There is no information suggesting that Clare’s disappearance is suspicious in nature.
- There is no reason to believe there is any threat or danger to the public.
We understand the concern this case has generated throughout the community and remain committed to providing updates as appropriate.
As this investigation enters its next phase, public assistance remains critically important.
Anyone who may have information regarding Clare’s whereabouts, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is encouraged to contact investigators.
The Barnstable Police Department is also asking residents, businesses, and property owners to continue reviewing:
- Home security camera footage.
- Doorbell camera footage.
- Trail camera footage.
- Cell phone photographs or video that may contain
information relevant to the investigation.
Many missing person investigations are resolved because someone comes forward with a seemingly small piece of information that ultimately helps investigators develop a critical lead.
The Fearon family continues to cooperate fully with investigators and is requesting privacy during this difficult time. The department asks the public and media to respect that request.
The Barnstable Police Department remains committed to finding Clare. While the nature of our efforts is changing, we will continue to pursue credible information, investigate every viable lead, and utilize available resources until we are able to provide answers to Clare’s family and our community.
Anyone with information regarding Clare Fearon’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Barnstable Police Department at (508) 778-3874.
Copyright Pitta Media Group 2026. Any unauthorized use not permitted. All rights reserved.
