Missing woman subject of hunt

LYNN – A police source has confirmed that Alice Nunes was last heard telling her daughter, “I’m about to hit some water,” before her cell phone went dead around 8:45 p.m. Monday.The well-liked 58-year-old stockroom worker’s family then contacted Lynn Police to report her missing. Police scanner transmissions indicate officers were instructed to travel to all of the ponds and beaches around Lynn, which Lt. William Sharpe confirmed have since been searched.Police are still seeking information on the whereabouts of Nunes, a Peabody resident, who is 5 foot 4 inches tall with brown eyes and light brown hair and was operating a 2003 black Lexus ES350 with Massachusetts registration 21GX72.Sharpe said her cell phone call was traced back to a Wyoma Square cell phone tower, which means the call was made in a 3-15 mile radius around Wyoma Square.”We’re hoping that someone saw that vehicle (Monday) night and can help us locate that vehicle,” Sharpe said. “We’re asking members of the public to just take note of the license plate and the description of the vehicle.”Police said the search for Nunes does not appear at this time to involve any suspicious circumstances; however, the family indicates that Nunes’ absence is unusual. Sharpe said information provided by family members indicates Nunes is familiar with Lynn and enjoys the beachfront.Sharpe would not comment on whether the woman had mental health or drug problems.News of police efforts to locate her spread concern through Analogic, where Nunes works as a darkroom handler.A co-worker said she last spoke to Nunes Friday and said she heard Nunes went shopping Monday and called her husband, John, between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Monday from Wyoma Square.”People are very worried,” said Paula Flaherty.A woman who described herself as Nunes’ daughter answered the family’s home phone Tuesday afternoon and referred questions to police.”We just want her home,” she said.Analogic co-worker Paula Flaherty described Nunes as a bubbly, outgoing source of workplace inspiration who has two adult children.”She is a strong personality, very friendly. She keeps us motivated,” Flaherty said.Anyone with information should call the Lynn Police Department at 781-595-2000.