An East Bremerton man reported Jan. 6 that his 39-year-old son has been missing, according to Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office reports.
The man said his son, Phillip Anthony Burlew, was involved in a collision Jan. 4 and no one had heard from him since then. He added that he believes his 39-year-old is suicidal and possibly has a gun. He doesn’t have any idea of his son’s whereabouts and wanted to report him as a missing person.
According to the report from the Jan. 4 collision, Burlew had called 9-1-1 but left the scene prior to a sheriff’s deputy’s arrival. Deputies attempted to find the man, including attempting to “ping” his cellphone, without success.
When a deputy attempted to call the cellphone number listed for Burlew, a male who declined to identify himself answered the phone. He denied that he was Burlew or that even knew who the man was. He said he had been using the cellphone number for more than six months.
At this time a sergeant said there are no additional steps to take other than entering the 39-year-old as missing.
The missing man’s family posted flyers that Burlew is missing. His family contacted the sheriff Jan. 8 saying that a Port Townsend woman, who appeared to be homeless, said she saw Burlew Jan. 5. The woman said she saw him near the Port Townsend Safeway.
Another woman reported she was in Port Townsend Jan. 5 and saw someone she believes was Burlew. She said she saw the missing person flyers and that a man walking at the Safeway park and ride matched the photo on the flyers. The man appeared to be alone and didn’t appear to be in distress.
CENCOM sent a message to Port Townsend and Jefferson County dispatchers requesting a “be on the lookout” for Burlew be broadcast.