PRESS RELEASE: December 10, 2019
On Sunday, December 8, 2019 at approximately 6:11 PM, the Jefferson Police Department was notified of a missing person. The person was described as an elderly male with health complications and possible onset of dementia.
Officers traveled to the man’s residence and met the wife who stated that her husband had left for lunch around noon and had not yet returned. She was concerned because he missed a dose of required medication and had called her saying that he was lost and did not know how to get home.
The wife was able to provide a complete description of her husband, his vehicle, and his cellular telephone number. Officers then went to work attempting to locate the missing man in what would become a several hour, multi-agency, multi-state effort to bring the missing resident home.
Working with the assistance of Sheriff David McKnight and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and with the man’s cellular provider, officers were able to locate and track the missing man’s cell phone signal.
At approximately 10:30 PM, more than ten hours after leaving the house to get lunch and more than four hours after being reported missing, the missing man was located by the Ruston, Louisiana Police Department and stopped and held for his wife’s arrival.
The Jefferson Police Department wishes to thank the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Webster, Bienville, Ouachita, Union, and Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Offices in Louisiana, and the Ruston, Louisiana Police Department for their unwavering support and help to bring one of our residents’ home. The recovered missing citizens identity is being held for respect and privacy of the family.
If you have a loved one that has been diagnosed with Dementia please log on to WWW.ALZ.ORG/Safety for comprehensive safety plan as dementia progresses. Taking measures to improve safety can prevent injuries and help the person with Alzheimer’s feel more relaxed, less overwhelmed and maintain his or her independence longer.