DETROIT – A family is asking for help finding Mike Wutzke, 54, who relatives say has been missing out of Detroit since Saturday, July 25, 2026. He’s without his phone, wallet, or life-saving medication.
The family says the last direct contact came in a brief, alarming phone call to Wutzke’s daughter.
“He made a phone call to his daughter and said he was scared and that was the last time we’ve heard from him,” his nephew, Justin Wutzke, told Local 4. “It’s very concerning. This is not like him. It’s not like him to not get ahold of his kids or his grandkids.”
Relatives say Wutzke was last seen near the CVS at 9 Mile and Schoenherr in Warren, and they believe he may have disappeared near Outer Drive and Van Dyke in Detroit. That’s where they say he went to try to visit an old friend.
When family members went to that Detroit home, they said they were not given much help.
“There was another lady there and a guy there,” Justin said. “They know him, but they don’t know where he is.”
Justin Wutzke said Wutzke’s daughter later filed a missing person’s report with Detroit police and met officers at the house near Outer Drive and Van Dyke.
“That’s when they recovered his wallet and this phone,” Justin said.
Relatives say Wutzke has severe medical issues, including a blood clotting disorder, and needs his medication. They also said he has mental health concerns. Justin Wutzke said his uncle has had mental health episodes before and has bipolar disorder but can’t help but think about the odd phone call to his daughter.
“Everything kind of goes through your mind when you think of all of it,” he said.
The family says Mike Wutzke was last seen wearing a blue shirt and may be thinner than older photos suggest. He is about 5’10” tall.
Relatives have been calling hospitals, jails and homeless shelters, but have not heard from him. They plan to distribute flyers near the CVS in Warren on Saturday, August 1, to get the word out.
“We just want him found,” he said. “We just want to hear from him -- to know he’s OK and get him back to the family.”
Warren Police confirmed Wutzke’s disappearance is being handled by Detroit Police. Anyone with information is asked to call the Detroit Police Department’s 5th Precinct at 313-596-5500.