Trooper and deputy locate missing elderly woman

REELSVILLE -- Wednesday morning calls to the Putnam County 911 Dispatch Center and the Putnamville State Police Post ultimately led to the safe return of a missing elderly Greene County woman.

Iris R. Peavey, 90, Jasonville, had been reported confused and missing by her family to the Greene County Sheriff's Department at 6:45 a.m. She had apparently been driving around for hours trying to find her way back home.

The calls from motorists and a nearby convenience mart reported the 2001 Mercury passenger car westbound from the intersection of U.S. 40 and U.S. 231.

At 7:55 a.m., shortly after the 911 call, Putnam County Sheriff's deputy Adam Hull spotted the vehicle westbound on U.S. 40 near County Road 625 West in Reelsville.

When the vehicle did not immediately stop, ISP Major Brad Scully, who was eastbound, turned around and pulled in behind Hull to assist.

Once the vehicle stopped, the officers found Peavey to be very confused. Working with ISP Region III Dispatch Center, they learned she was reported as a missing person.

The Greene County Sheriff's Office was in the process of requesting an Indiana Silver Alert for Peavey.

Scully and Hull transported Peavey and her car to the nearby Putnamville Post, where the staff of the post provided refreshments and comfort to her until the arrival of her family.

"Other than experiencing confusion and anxiety, Ms. Peavey was otherwise OK," ISP Public Information Officer Sgt. Joe Watts said. "Ms. Peavey had been driving around for an extended period of time, possibly overnight, trying to find her way home.

Major Mike Hasler of the Greene County Sheriff's Department told the Greene County Dailey World the woman is believed to have left home in the family's car some time during the night. Police were called Wednesday morning after her husband discovered that she was missing.

He said there were serious concerns among family members about her safety because she suffers from Alzheimer's Disease.

Hasler did say the woman was a licensed driver.

"She just doesn't drive and the family usually drives her," Hasler said.

Watts praised the concerned citizens who called and the work of the officers involved.

"The 911 calls from motorists and attendants at the nearby convenience mart, along with the officers being in the right place at the right time, surely concluded a dangerous situation for Ms. Peavey," Watts said.