Columbus County man with dementia located after wandering away from his home

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — A Columbus County man with dementia has been located after wandering away from his house.

Lieutenant Darris Floyd of the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office received notification on April 25th Joe Baldwin, 70, had left between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Floyd promptly informed additional command staff and deputies, mobilizing their search and rescue team into action.

Baldwin was located 540 yards away from his home after an hour of searching, seeking shelter in a metal building. Following the successful rescue, Baldwin was examined by rescue personnel and cleared to be reunited with his wife, safe and sound.