Patrick Joseph Mikes )
Troy — A police search for a missing Troy man, feared dead, was called off Friday afternoon after several hot, unsuccessful hours probing fields, farmland and a river.
Troy Police Capt. Robert Redmond said searches — some with cadaver dogs and by boat — were conducted in several locations, including the Flint River near Montrose and the Holly Recreation Area on Friday. The searches were based on the ongoing investigation, potential leads and tips.
"The dogs, the people, can only take so much," Redmond said.
Temperatures hit 90 degrees in the area by midday Friday.
Police officials would not provide specific locations of the search, or when it would be resumed, explaining they want to avoid contamination of potential sites to be examined by dogs trained to detect human remains. Targeted areas are both in and outside of Oakland County, police said.
Patrick Mikes, 55, was reported missing last Sunday by his sons, 21 and 16, who told police their father had gone out for a bike ride about 5:30 p.m. Friday from their home on Homewood, near Adams and Long Lake roads, and never returned.
Police questioned the story because while the elder Mikes' bike — a black and red Cannondale — was gone, they found his bike-riding helmet and special riding shoes in the house.
During a 15-hour search of the home and property Sunday, investigators removed numerous items including a blood-soaked carpet and the missing man's car. Evidence is still being sorted and analyzed, Redmond said.
Redmond also has disclosed that one son, Patrick Mikes Jr., 21, is considered a "person of interest" in his father's disappearance.
He was jailed and released on bond for unrelated charges.
Redmond said police have obtained a video of Mikes Jr. purchasing cleaning supplies late July 27. There was evidence that some cleaning had taken place in the basement.
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