An elderly woman with dementia was safely located by the Union County Sheriff's Office bloodhound team after she went missing from her home in Monroe, North Carolina. The incident, which occurred last week, triggered a rapid response from local law enforcement and the community as they rallied to find her under sweltering temperatures exceeding 95 degrees, as recounted in a social media post by the Union County Sheriff's Office.
After initial search efforts came up empty, Deputy McWhorter and a K-9 bloodhound named Roxie were dispatched to intensify the search. Using a scent article from the missing woman's home, Roxie was able to quickly to pick up the trail. She led the team across several properties and through wooded areas to finally discover the woman lying in a ditch, as per the UCSO's account. Unfortunately, the woman had suffered minor injuries and signs of dehydration, likely due to the day's oppressive heat.
Once located, the woman received immediate medical attention from Union EMS personnel who were called to the scene. She was then transported for further medical evaluation. According to the UCSO, she is expected to "make a full recovery." This outcome underscores the vital role such specially trained search teams play in critical missing persons cases, especially in challenging conditions.
In the wake of the rescue, sheriff's deputies took the chance to discuss the UCSO's Project Lifesaver program with the family. This initiative, provided at no cost to residents, gives trackable wristbands to individuals living with cognitive conditions like dementia or autism, an effort to prevent future incidents. "I’m incredibly proud of the teamwork displayed by our deputies, K-9 teams, and Union EMS personnel," Sheriff Eddie Cathey was quoted saying. Their combined actions and expertise are credited for safely reuniting the woman with her family. "Their training, equipment, and quick action made the difference in bringing this woman home safely," Cathey expressed in the social media announcement.
