An 82-year-old man from the Columbus area who was reported missing Monday afternoon was safely found after a coordinated response involving local law enforcement agencies, according to the West Liberty Police Department.
Authorities say the man, who suffers from dementia, had been driving for several hours and was not responding to phone calls, raising concerns that he may have become lost or was in danger.
Shortly before 5:00 PM, an on-duty officer with the West Liberty Police Department was notified of the missing person report and requested to assist in the search after the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office was occupied with other calls.
The vehicle was later located in the area of State Route 245 and State Route 29.
The West Liberty officer conducted a traffic stop and found the driver to be confused but otherwise safe.
The officer remained with the man until a deputy with the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene.
Family members were then contacted and arrived to retrieve both the man and his vehicle.
