Crime & Safety

Help Sought in Search for Missing Grayson Man

Derek Woodston Buford, of Grayson, has been missing since Thursday morning. The public's help is sought in helping locate him.

The family of Derek Woodston Buford, 42, of Grayson is desperate for word on the whereabouts of their missing family member. He never reported to his place of work, Southeastern Builders Supply, 1186 Clark St., Covington, on Thursday morning and has not been seen since.

Sgt. Rich Long, of the Gwinnett County Police Department, confirmed that a missing person's case has been opened for Buford and his name and information has been entered in the National Crime Information Center. 

Anyone with information or who has seen Buford or his vehicle is asked to call 911 or the Gwinnett County Police Department at 770-513-5000.

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Buford description is as follows:


White male
Age: 42
Height: 5'11"

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Weight: About 250 to 275 pounds
Short Dark Brown hair
Driving a Silver 2005 Mazda Tribute
Tag # BZK 0784
Atlanta Thrashers car tag on the back of the vehicle

According to his family, Buford requires daily medication for a heart condition. He left without this medication. It is believed he was on his way to work Thursday morning and never made it. The following are routes he possibly would have taken. Family members have scoured these routes without success since Buford's disappearance.

Possible Routes to work:
1. Hwy 84 to Hwy 78 towards Loganville
Right on Hwy 81 to Covington

2. Hwy 84 to Hwy 78 towards Loganville
Right onto Rosebud Rd
Rosebud turns into Miller Bottom Road turns into Dial Mill Rd
Right onto Gum Creek Rd
Right onto Hwy 81 in Oxford to Covington

3. Hwy 84 to Hwy 78
Right onto Rosebud Rd
Right onto GA-20
Left onto GA-20
Left onto Sigman Rd
Right onto Hwy 138
To Interstate 20 towards Covington to Exit 90

4. Hwy 84 to Hwy 78 towards Loganville
Right onto Rosebud Rd
Rosebud turns into Miller Bottom Rd.
Right onto Hwy 138 to Interstate 20 towards Covington

Buford's family would appreciate any information or assistance in the search. .


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