2016-08-23

PATERSON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — A 73-year-old woman was reported missing from her home in Paterson, New Jersey nearly two weeks ago, and those who knew her are distraught.

As CBS2’s Christine Sloan reported, security cameras show Gloria Briggs going into her building – but she is never seen coming out.

The senior apartment complex where Briggs lives is new and equipped with security cameras all around. Police said Tuesday that they were double-checking the video, but they have still only found images of her going inside.

The situation had residents on edge as police searched every corner of the Freedom Village complex.

Briggs was first reported missing by her choir at the First Seventh Day Adventist Church of Paterson on Friday, Aug. 12.

“We know she has some measure of dementia,” said church pastor the Rev. Richard Campbell. “It has been a very anxiety-ridden two weeks for our church members here.”

Campbell said the last time Briggs was seen in church was Saturday, Aug. 6. Cameras that night show her walking into her building on Straight Street with a friend – and nothing afterward.

“Everybody in here is basically upset and worried,” said Frank McKinney, the tenant association president at the building where Briggs lives.

Briggs has no family in the area – just a daughter in Jamaica – but she is beloved by her neighbors. They have been searching for her in groups.

“She’s a sweet woman, and we would like, you know, for anybody that has any information; that has seen her to please contact the police department,” said neighbor Luz Vargas. “She always wore a wool hat – a white wool hat – and most of the time a jacket or a sweater even though it was really hot outside.”

CBS2’s Sloan asked police about the video, showing Briggs walking into her building but not coming out. Sloan asked whether that fact means anything.

“No, that doesn’t necessarily mean that, because there are different ways that somebody could come out of the building,” said Paterson police Capt. Richard Reyes.

CBS2 found cameras at every exit – even inside, and at a gate in the back that does not lock.

Pastor Campbell said there are many unanswered questions. Briggs’ cellphone and wallet were left behind in her apartment, but a friend could not find her favorite back.

“She looked around and she said that there is a black bag – a black handbag that she’s not seeing,” Campbell said.

Campbell said Briggs had a second cellphone that has not been found. Police told CBS2 they have alerted all hospitals and the NYPD, because there is a bus around the corner that goes to Manhattan.

At this point, police do not suspect foul play.

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