Missing Florida man found safe

Albert Pierce, 63, of Leesburg, found near his home on Keats Drive

LEESBURG, Fla. – A 63-year-old Leesburg man was found safe Thursday in the woods behind his house, according to authorities.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said Albert Pierce left his Keats Drive home Tuesday afternoon and haSn’t been seen since.

Deputies said Pierce suffers from the later stages of dementia and his closest family members, other than who he lives with, are in California.

Mark Pierce said he hopes his brother will be home in time for Thanksgiving.

“I just want my brother home,” Mark Pierce said. “I’m really, really scared. I just want him home so that we can find a place to take care of him.”

His family said he’s gone missing before, but never for this long.

The LCSO mounted unit, volunteer search and rescue and all specialty units are searching for Albert Pierce, officials said. They also used drones to search wooded areas and drains. Late Wednesday, they relied mostly on patrol deputies for the search.

“We realize that he could possibly be in danger and we want to find him as quickly as possible and get him back home,” Lt. John Herrell from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said.

Investigators believe it’s possible Albert Pierce could have gotten a ride somewhere.

Detectives said they checked the area for video and didn't find any.

Mark Pierce said his brother was last seen leaving his home on Keats Drive in Leesburg wearing a black shirt over a white shirt, blue jeans, grey New Balance tennis shoes and a blue Los Angeles Dodgers hat.

Anyone with information about Albert Pierce is asked to call 352-343-2101.


About the Author:

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.

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