THE APEX TIMES
Lexington Police issue Golden Alert for missing man, 33-year-old Matthew Helton
Matthew Helton was last seen around 8:40 p.m. in the 2700 block of Trailwood Lane, according to Lexington Police Department.
Lexington Police Department has issued a Golden Alert for 33-year-old Matthew Helton, who was reported missing, according to a Wednesday night update from WKYT. Helton was last seen at about 8:40 p.m. in the 2700 block of Trailwood Lane, the Lexington Police Department said. Authorities did not report in the update what Helton was wearing or the circumstances leading up to his disappearance.
The Lexington Police Department said the Golden Alert is intended to quickly spread information to help locate the missing man. Police asked residents to remain alert and to watch for any signs of Helton or information that could help investigators narrow down where he may have gone.
Police urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement. As with other missing-person alerts, details that could assist the investigation include sightings of the person described in the alert and any information about travel routes or vehicles in the area around the time Helton was last seen.
The Golden Alert was posted in connection with Helton’s disappearance and is separate from ongoing inquiries that may be handled by detectives based on leads developed after the alert goes out, according to police communications reported by WKYT. The next steps for investigators are to evaluate tips generated by public awareness and to follow up on any information that could establish Helton’s location or explain why he went missing. Police said the alert remains active as the search continues.
WKYT reported the announcement shortly after it was posted. The update provides the last known time and location, and it directs the public to assist authorities by reporting any relevant information they may have.
Why It Matters
- A missing-person alert increases the number of potential witnesses and can speed up the flow of information to investigators.
- The time window, around 8:40 p.m., helps law enforcement focus early leads and canvassing efforts.
- Residents in and near the 2700 block of Trailwood Lane may have relevant information if they observed activity around the time Helton was last seen.
- Public tip handling is often critical in establishing location, determining whether there is immediate danger, and guiding subsequent investigative steps.
Key Facts
- Lexington Police Department issued a Golden Alert for 33-year-old Matthew Helton.
- Helton was last seen at about 8:40 p.m.
- The last known location reported by police was the 2700 block of Trailwood Lane in Lexington.
- The alert was reported by WKYT on October 15-16, 2026, with a published time of 3:01 a.m. ET on October 16.
- Police asked the public to be alert and to provide information that could help locate Helton.