NORWOOD – A late-night search ended with relief after an elderly man who walked away from a local care facility was successfully located by emergency personnel.
The incident began Monday evening and triggered a massive public safety response, including a midnight emergency “Silver Alert” that woke residents throughout the region.
According to the Norwood Police Department, 77-year-old James Mayo walked away from the Ellis Rehabilitation Center on Ellis Avenue at approximately 6:30 PM. Because his direction of travel was unknown, authorities quickly mobilized a large-scale search operation in the surrounding neighborhoods.
By late Sunday night, a heavy police presence had converged on the Ellis Avenue area. The search effort utilized specialized assets, including police K9 units and a drone team, to sweep the densely settled area and nearby wooded pockets.
As the search extended into the late-night hours, public safety officials escalated their efforts to enlist the community’s help. At 11:52 PM, an Amber-style Public Safety Alert was broadcast to cell phones across the area, describing Mayo as a 77-year-old male last seen wearing jeans and a maroon sweatshirt.
The late-night broadcast urged Norwood residents to immediately check their private properties, outbuildings, sheds, and home surveillance or doorbell cameras for any signs of the missing man.
The situation came to a positive resolution shortly after the widespread broadcast. Norwood Police issued an official update confirming that Mayo had been located.
“We appreciate the public’s assistance and cooperation as officers worked to locate him safely,” the department said in a statement following the successful operation.
No further details regarding Mayo’s medical condition or the exact location where he was found have been released at this time. -RD
