Raleigh Police Sergeant Michelle Lyman with K9 Peppers.
In a remarkable display of teamwork and canine skill, Raleigh Police Sergeant Michelle Lyman and K9 Peppers successfully located a missing, endangered older woman who had wandered into the woods near Peach Road Park on Wednesday, March 12.
The search began shortly after noon when it was reported that a 76-year-old woman suffering from cognitive issues had left her home in the 1000 block of Palace Garden Way, heading southeast. Upon arrival, investigators quickly realized that the area was heavily trafficked by residents enjoying the pleasant weather, which made tracking her more challenging. However, further analysis of footage from a neighbor's camera revealed that she had actually headed in the opposite direction. This new information provided a more viable tracking area for the K9 unit.
K9 Peppers was deployed, and within moments, she successfully traced an active lead that pointed north through the woods from the end of Palace Garden Way.
Accompanied by Officer Taymiyah, the team followed the trail, which ultimately led them to a small body of water on the outskirts of Peach Road Park. As they approached the water, Sergeant Lyman and Officer Taymiyah spotted the missing woman's jacket. Moments later, they spotted the woman standing at the water's edge, nearly 30 yards away from her jacket. Despite verbal attempts to engage her, she did not respond. Officer Taymiyah bravely crossed the water to assist her directly. Once safely across, Officer Taymiyah helped escort the woman out of the woods and to safety, where emergency medical services were called to assess her condition. After being evaluated, she was reunited with her family, who expressed their gratitude for the swift and effective response from the team.
This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and the invaluable role that K9 units play in search and rescue efforts. The officers’ quick actions, along with K9 Peppers, demonstrate a commitment to public safety and well-being, contributing to a successful outcome in what could have been a much more serious situation. Great work by Sergeant Lyman, K9 Peppers, and Officer Taymiyah!