Missing 81-year-old woman found covered in dirt in Brevard County

PALM BAY, Fla. – A missing 81-year-old woman who left a Brevard County retirement home early Monday was found safe hours later, police said.

Wanda Jehlicka was found around 6:30 a.m. behind 1104 Ver Circle in Palm Bay after leaving the Bethesda on Turkey Creek retirement home, which is located nearby.

Palm Bay police said Jehlicka was shaken and covered in dirt but was otherwise OK.

The search included K-9 units and a helicopter.  Brevard County sheriff's bloodhounds and the dive team checked area waterways.