South Salt Lake police looking for missing blind man

South Salt Lake police are asking for the public's help to find a missing blind and mentally disabled man.

Benjamin Thomas Hyde, 35, is legally blind, has mental disabilities and has been missing since 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to a news release. He was last seen at an assisted living facility run by Valley Mental Health, where he is allowed to come and go from, said police spokesman Gary Keller.

Keller could not expand on what mental issues Hyde has. He added that Hyde's blindness is concerning, especially considering the rising and swifter waters of the Jordan River, due to the melting snow.

As of 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Hyde had not been found, Keller said. The search has intensified in the area of the Jordan River Trail and the Salt Lake County Search and Rescue has been called in to help. Keller said that officials are not requesting help from volunteers because of concerns about the river's high water.

Police describe Hyde as 6-feet-1-inch, 180 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. He was wearing a dark colored T-shirt — possibly green — and dark pants.

He can get around unassisted and frequents the area around 3300 South, from 800 West to Redwood Road, according to the release.

If anyone has seen him, police ask that they call dispatchers at 801-840-4000.

mmcfall@sltrib.comTwitter: @mikeypanda