By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
LAWRENCE — A 78-year-old Lawrence Township woman who was reported missing by her family around 2:15 a.m. Monday was found a short time later, following a search by the Lawrence Township Police Department and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.
The woman, who lives off Brunswick Pike and East Darrah Lane, was found lying in the roadway about a half-mile from her home. Sheriff’s officers were able to find her because she was wearing a “Project Lifesaver” electronic bracelet issued by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff Jack Kemler.
The Sheriff’s Office’s “Project Lifesaver” search team was sent immediately to search the general area for the woman, who was suffering from disorientation and confusion, Sheriff Kemler said. They detected a strong electronic signal, emitted by the Project Lifesaver bracelet, and found her within 10 minutes, he said.
The woman was taken to Capital Health Medical Center at Hopewell, where she was evaluated and reunited with her family.
“Our ‘Project Lifesaver’ unit helps save lives,” Sheriff Kemler said. “Older, disoriented persons who get lost in the middle of the night are unable to find their way home, which can be extremely dangerous.”
Project Lifesaver identifies and quickly locates people who might wander or disappear from their property. Families interested in enrolling in the program may call the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office at 609-989-6109.
