Troopers, Westmoreland search team hunt man missing from Torrance State Hospital

State police have enlisted the Westmoreland County Rough Terrain Support Unit in their search for a Torrance State Hospital patient who left the Derry Township facility without permission.

Police said Timothy M. Smith, 36, left the hospital about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and did not return.

Smith takes a daily medication and could have severe health problems without it, police said. Authorities believe he last took his medication about 6 a.m. Tuesday.

The rough terrain support team, a volunteer group that aids with search-and-rescue operations as well as woodland brush fires, was called in about 10:45 a.m. Wednesday to help search the area around the hospital, which is near several heavily wooded areas along the banks of the Conemaugh River and McGee Run.

Police believe Smith is wearing a black jacket, white T-shirt and blue jeans. His direction of travel is unknown.

Anyone with information on Smith's whereabouts is asked to contact the Greensburg state police barracks at 724-832-3288.