Various units of CPD join forces to locate, and safely recover critical missing woman
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Officers from various units of the Columbus Police Department, who joined forces to locate and safely recover a critical missing woman, were treated a lunch by Chief Mathis and the department’s command staff.
Image: CPDGA The teamwork with various units began when members of CPD’s Adult & Youth Services Unit received a report about the disappearance of an 89-year-old woman who suffers from Alzheimer’s on Thursday, June 29, 2023, around 3:30 P.M.
She was last seen Wednesday, June 28, 2023, around 10:30 p.m. “Recognizing the urgent nature of the situation, officers swiftly mobilized and initiated a comprehensive search operation to locate and bring the missing woman back safely,” the department said.
Adult & Youth Services officers issued a Mattie’s Call through the Georgia Bureau of Investigations and disseminated a Missing Person poster to local law enforcement and media outlets. The poster was also shared on the Columbus Police Department’s social media sites.
Officers in the Violent Crimes and Patrol Units played a critical role by interviewing the woman’s family members, utilizing advanced technology to track down her car, and canvassing the area near her home on Jenkins Road. During the interview with the 89-year-old’s family, officers learned that she could be in Florida. This prompted investigators to make contact with the Dade City Police Department.
With the combined efforts of the department’s officers, along with the Dade City Police Department, the woman was located in Dade City, FL.
“I commend the exemplary work of all officers involved in this successful operation. Their commitment, professionalism, and unwavering determination are a true reflection of our department’s core values,” says Chief Stoney Mathis. “We also remind everyone of the importance of remaining alert and looking out for one another, particularly those who may be vulnerable or facing cognitive challenges.”
Officers subsequently canceled the missing person alerts after locating the 89-year-old woman and she was recommended to be part of the Columbus Police Department’s Project Lifesaver program, which is designed for at-risk individuals who are prone to wandering.
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