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Vulnerable missing senior located after coordinated search
Creston RCMP is praising the coordinated efforts of local residents, Search and Rescue volunteers, and specialized police resources after a vulnerable missing senior was safely located Tuesday evening in a rural area south of Creston.
On October 27, at approximately 4:33 p.m., Creston RCMP received a report of a missing senior. The individual had gone missing from a large rural property earlier in the afternoon.
Initial searches by family and area residents were conducted prior to police attending. As daylight faded and overnight temperatures were expected to approach freezing, RCMP quickly escalated the response due to concerns for the senior’s safety.
Creston RCMP officers immediately identified the need for additional specialized resources, including local Search and Rescue volunteers, a drone team utilizing thermal imaging technology, and the RCMP Police Dog Service from Castlegar.
Despite the challenging terrain and darkness, officers and searchers continued their efforts throughout the evening.
At approximately 9 p.m., an RCMP Police Dog Service officer located the missing senior approximately one mile from where they were last seen. The senior was found inside a travel trailer on a nearby rural property and was in need of immediate medical attention.
BC Emergency Health Services attended and transported the senior to hospital for assessment and treatment.
“This was an excellent example of the dedication and professionalism our officers bring to protecting vulnerable people in our communities,” said Cpl. Rick Goodwin, Creston RCMP Detachment Commander.
“Our officers immediately recognized the urgency of the situation and coordinated a significant search effort alongside Search and Rescue volunteers, drone specialists, and Police Dog Service. The determination of everyone involved, particularly the persistence of frontline officers and the specialized capabilities of Police Dog Service, ultimately led to the senior being located and receiving the medical care they urgently required.”
Creston RCMP would like to thank all agencies and volunteers who assisted in the search effort. Their teamwork, persistence, and willingness to respond on short notice played a critical role in locating the missing senior and ensuring they received the medical care they required.
e-KNOW file photo
