deputies in Florida They were “in the right place at the right time” on Monday when they discovered a missing 75-year-old man with Alzheimer’s while searching for a robbery suspect in the woods, authorities said.
Deputies responded to the 100 block of E. Bearss Street searching for the fleeing suspect and began searching the woods along I-275, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Wed.
Aerial footage from the sheriff’s helicopter shows the helicopter crew leading the deputies through the trees toward someone who appeared to be crawling on the ground.
Deputies believe they have located the suspect, but as they approach the person, they realize it is an elderly man who was reported missing the day before near the University of South Florida, the sheriff’s office said.
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Deputies were searching for a robbery suspect along I-275 when they entered a wooded area. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
“This is berserk,” said one of the helicopter’s deputy, adding, “This is amazing. Great job everyone.”
A helicopter crew directed deputies on the ground to someone in the woods. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
The 75-year-old man who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, He was rescued safely and reunited with his family, according to officials.
The deputies realize that the man they found is not the suspect, but an elderly man with Alzheimer’s who went missing the day before. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
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“what Great example Sheriff Chad Chronister said, “Our deputies were working hard to do their job to apprehend the suspect, and were able to identify a citizen in need of assistance. We are grateful that this could have ended with the safe return of the missing person and their family.”
The 75-year-old was rescued safely after deputies found him crawling on the grounds of a wooded area along I-275. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
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It was not clear if the deputies were able to locate suspected burglary.