Chief Randy Scoot says Charles Kendall Reed, 50, was located Tuesday night at a local hospital after the department was contacted by a nurse who saw Reed's "missing persons" picture on television and recognized him as a patient.
/ CPD
COLUMBIA (WACH) - A man reported missing by his family Tuesday has been found safe, according to the Columbia Police Department.
Chief Randy Scott says Charles Kendall Reed, 50, was located Tuesday night at a local hospital after the department was contacted by a nurse who saw Reed's "missing persons" picture on television and recognized him as a patient.
The hospital considered Reed as a "John Doe" because he did not have any identification and was unable to communicate with the hospital staff.
“What made this case a bit more difficult is Mr. Reed has communication challenges. CPD showed jail, hospital officials and citizens the missing person bulletin of Reed during our search for him. Unfortunately no one recognized him. We are grateful that Mr. Reed is safe all thanks the quick-thinking of a nurse who just happened to be watching the news," said Scott.
Officer's confirmed Reed's identity with the use of fingerprint identification and notified his family of his location.
Reed was transported to the hospital by EMS with a head injury after he was found at the 5300 block of Farrow Road.
Officers are not sure how he received the injury, but Reed is receiving medical attention in the intensive care unit at the hospital.
Police and hospital officials are working to determine how Reed received the injury.
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