Staff Writer

Three mountain bikers found a disabled Biddeford man in Clifford Park more than 24 hours after he was reported missing by his mother.

Ronald Charette, 59, was found by the bikers Sunday afternoon in the heavily wooded park lying on the ground near his wheelchair, “disoriented and soaking wet,” according to police. He was transported to Southern Maine Medical Center for observation.

Biddeford police issued an alert around noon Saturday requesting help in locating Charette. Deputy Police Chief JoAnne Fisk said Charette left his Washington Street home at 9 a.m. Saturday to go to Paul’s Variety on Alfred Street. After purchasing cigarettes, he left the store and traveled in the opposite direction of his home, she said.

Charette’s mother reported him missing around 10:30 a.m. and police mounted a citywide search, according to police. Charette, who is paralyzed on his right side, is confined to a non-motorized wheelchair and cannot verbalize words, Fisk said. She said it takes Charette “an incredibly long time” to push the chair by himself.

Fisk said Charette’s medical condition required him to take 14 “critical” medications.

Police were notified Charette was found by the bikers around 4 p.m. Sunday. The bikers met officers in the area of 49 Granite St. and led them onto a wooded path, where two men were pushing Charette in his wheelchair, according to police. Fisk did not identify the mountain bikers but said they are from the area. 

Fisk said police are not sure how Charette ended up in the park, which is not easily accessible by wheelchair. Police plan to question Charette once he has recuperated, she said.

Charette was also reported missing June 12 but found unharmed a short time later, according to police dispatch logs. Police reported he had difficulty with his wheelchair and was assisted home by a citizen.

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.