A blind man who went missing for about 33 hours in Connecticut woods was found by a police drone, police said in a news release.
On Feb. 15, at around 8:43 a.m., the Enfield Police Department received a call from a man saying that he had been unable to contact his 62-year-old brother, who is blind.
The department determined, based on the man’s past behavior, “that it was likely that he walked away from the home and became disoriented,” the release stated, adding that 62-year-old Richard Doty had last been seen around 10:00 a.m. the day before, about 24 hours before police were contacted.
A missing persons post by the department described Doty as having “has numerous medical and physical disabilities, including being blind.” Enfield police said the case was especially concerning considering the low temperatures in the area.
After about 30 minutes of searching, Doty was found “100 yards into the woods, down an embankment, hidden from view” by a Vernon officer with the help of a drone.
The 62-year-old told officers he became disoriented due to his medical conditions and was outside for around 33 hours surviving in 9 degree temperatures overnight.
The Enfield Fire Department, Thompsonville Fire Department, Enfield EMS, and Enfield Police Department assisted the Enfield Police Department. Members of the various departments helped carry Doty out of the woods. He was then taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
“Enfield Police Department is extremely grateful for the support of the Vernon, CT Police Department, Enfield Fire Department, Thompsonville Fire Department, Enfield EMS and Enfield Housing Authority to bring this event to a successful resolution.”
