The Opp Police Department says it needs the public’s help to find a man who has been missing since Dec. 12, and could be a welfare risk.

In a press conference Friday afternoon, Opp Police Chief Mike McDonald told media gathered at the OPD’s new Emergency Operations Center that 36-year-old James Monroe Anderson was still missing despite many different avenues of searching for him.

Anderson is a resident of Cool Springs Road.

“On Dec. 12, Mr. Anderson left his residence at some point – at approximately 6:30 a.m.,” said Capt. Dave Harrell of the investigations unit. “He was last seen by his mother.”

Harrell said his mother realized later on Dec. 12 that her son wasn’t home and notified police on Dec. 13.

Harrell said they were unaware of any kind of domestic situation that may have taken place prior to Anderson’s disappearance.

He was unemployed, but owned a vehicle which he left at the residence.

Harrell said they have had one unconfirmed sighting of Anderson.

“A motorist believed he was East bound on Cool Springs Road,” Harrell said. “It was not confirmed.”

Harrell said Anderson disappeared with nothing more than the clothes he had on his back.

“He’s a welfare concern,” he said. “We just want to ascertain his well-being and get answers for his family.”

Harrell asked that Anderson contact his family and let them know he is safe.

Police have not had any other previous incidents with Anderson. It is believed his is suffering from depression, but has no other medical issues, Harrell said.

Opp Police have issued an area-wide BOLO and are using the Fusion Center to get the word out.

McDonald said they do not suspect foul play at this time.

Additionally, Anderson is considered endangered because of his possible mental state, McDonald said.

Opp Police, along with the Covington County Sheriff’s Posse conducted a foot search around the area of Cool Springs Road.

McDonald said the Opp Fire Department’s dive team searched the ponds in the immediate area.

And the Walton County Sheriff’s office sent a helicopter to conduct an aerial search.

McDonald said that Anderson could be anywhere.

“His direction of travel is unknown at this time,” he said.

Anderson is described as a white male standing 5-feet-6-inches tall and weighs between 180 and 185 pounds, with green eyes and red or auburn hair.

Anyone with any information about Anderson’s disappearance is asked to call the OPD at 334-493-4511.