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Missing Man Found in Delhi Township

Posted: 7:53 PM Jun 19, 2012
Reporter: Lindsay Veremis

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A day-long search for a missing 44-year-old man is over in Delhi Township.

Deputies with the Ingham County Sheriff's Office feared the man's life was in danger. They were told he was injured and wandering in a wooded area, but learned he was not hurt and had returned to his mothers home just before 10 p.m.

They're calling it a cry for attention, but say given the heat, it could have been a critical situation.

Deputies, firefighters and more than 30 volunteers spent most of the day searching for the man, under blistering sun.

"It takes and incredible amount of manpower and people and eyes and bodies to work a search and rescue like this," Michael Corbin, a volunteer coordinator with CERT, the Community Emergency Response Team said.

"We've had a lot of people out here today and we've had to bring a lot of water to keep people hydrated," Lieutenant Eric Trojanowicz, with the Ingham County Sheriff's Office said at the scene. "We'd like to find this gentleman in a timely manner because it is hot and it could be life threatening."

Officials say the 44-year-old's mother called Tuesday morning worried for her son. He had called her saying he was in the woods behind Kroger and needed help.

"According to her he was throwing up blood and had a possible broken arm," Trojanowicz added.

Deputies believed he was intoxicated and possibly suicidal. They were concerned he was hidden by tall brush or trees.

Firefighters from Delhi Township searched ponds in the area and CERT volunteers hit the area on foot, forming a search grid. The extreme heat challenged responders, but also gave them a sense of urgency.

"He's been out there in the weather, so we know that's going to affect his health," Corbin said, prior to launching the search.

Michigan State Police were prepared to bring in cadaver dogs to search the area tomorrow morning. Officials say the man will be undergoing treatment for his issues with alcohol.