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K-9 dog leads officers to missing person who has dementia

Amber arrived in the area and collected the man’s scent from various personal items. Like a rod of lightning she was gone in a flash.

LAUREL, Md. — Dogs are more than just a man’s best friend, they can be knights in shining armor too.

Amber, a K-9 with the Seat Pleasant Police Department, helped locate and rescue an older man with dementia after he wandered away from home. 

On Oct. 22, at 9 a.m. police arrived at the 14000 block of Barkham Court in Laurel to assist the Prince George’s County Police locate a 72-year-old missing man.

Amber arrived in the area and collected the man’s scent from various personal items. Like a rod of lightning, she was gone in a flash. She trailed alongside the house and then to the footpath where the man was last seen. 

Credit: PGPD

Amber then led officers to the middle of a wooded area beyond the trail, where the missing man was hunched over inside a small ditch. The officer swiftly assisted him out. Thankfully, he hadn’t sustained any injuries and was taken home safely. 

Credit: PGPD

Not all heroes wear capes, some have cute floppy ears with an amazing sense of smell, like Amber. 

If you know someone with dementia who goes missing, please call 9-1-1 immediately. A prompt search helps with a quicker and safer way of finding them. The Seat Pleasant Police Department wants to remind the community that if you see suspicious activity, call 9-1-1. You can submit anonymous tips by calling 1-866-411-TIPS or by visiting www.pgcrimesolvers.com.

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