KALIDA, Ohio (WLIO) — A Putnam County man with dementia who wandered off was found stuck in the mud near the Auglaize River Monday night.
After calling for additional manpower, they were able to carry him to safety, where he was evaluated by EMS personnel.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred in the 12,000 block of Road 22-K. The man’s family began searching for him after he walked off Monday evening. Just after 8 p.m., they flagged down an Ohio State Trooper who was in the area. He contacted the Sheriff’s Office, which dispatched fire departments — some with boats — drone operators, and a bloodhound dog to assist in the search.
A deputy and a firefighter located the man just after 9 p.m., stuck in the mud near the Auglaize River. After calling for additional manpower, they were able to carry him to safety, where he was evaluated by EMS personnel. He sustained only minor injuries.
Media Release from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office
At. 8:17 PM on April 14 while on patrol, an Ohio State Highway Patrol Sergeant was approached by a subject stating she could not find her family member. It was learned that a 73-year-old man with dementia had left his home and had not been seen for an extended period of time. Family had been looking in the usual locations he could have walked without success. OSP then contacted their aviation unit for assistance and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office dispatch. PCSO dispatch sent Kalida FD and deputies including a drone operator. A trained bloodhound was also contacted. Due to the proximity of the Auglaize River to the scene, boat resources were dispatched from Continental, Fort Jennings, and Gilboa fire departments. A second drone operator from Elite Drone Services, Delphos was also sent. At 9:13 PM the male was located by a deputy and firefighter near the river stuck in mud, awake and alert, approximately a third of a mile from the last known location. After nearly 20 minutes with more manpower to assist, the male was carried out to the EMS to be evaluated, suffering only minor injuries.
Sheriff Brian Siefker
Captain Brad Nelson
Sergeant Chad Recker, OSP
