Storms halt search for Liberty County man

Dennis Rogers, 54 (Liberty County Sheriff's Office)

*** UPDATED***

The severe weather conditions Sunday prompted Liberty County officials to call off a search for a 54-year-old Plum Grove man who had been missing since Thursday as his family grew increasingly concerned.

But the storms that persisted over the weekend made the search for Dennis Rogers very difficult. ATVs and horses became stuck in the deep waters and mud. An air search, which had been sporadic due to the inclement weather, was impossible Sunday, officials said. A sonar device also could not be deployed.

It has yet to be determined when or if a search may be re-initiated, Liberty County sheriffs officials said in a news release.

The search spanned four days and involved 150 people, including area sheriffs officials and volunteer fire fighters, Texas EquuSearch, and residents from Huntsville, Lufkin and Alvin.

Rogers placed a 911 call around 8 p.m. on Thursday for help. The man reportedly told the dispatcher that he had gone for a walk, went too far and got lost. His cell phone died as the deputies tried to triangulate his position. They tried to return his call but have not heard from him since.

The family told authorities that it was not unusual for Roger to take long walks near the familys home. They said an accident he suffered years ago left him with the mental capacity of a 9-year-old.

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Storms halt search for Liberty County man