On December 18, 2023, the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) was notified of a missing person. It was reported to CPSO at approximately 7:06 p.m. that a patient residing at a Claiborne Parish Long Term Facility had not been accounted for. Personnel at the facility requested assistance from CPSO to find the missing resident.

CPSO responded to the call for assistance with multiple deputies, and notified Claiborne Parish Fire District 4, Fire District 5, Haynesville Fire District, Homer Fire District, Pafford Ambulance Service to assist with the search for the missing resident. In addition to the first responders, private citizens responded with specialized equipment to assist with the search.

A drone operated by (private citizen) Cody Vansickle, equipped with infrared cameras, located the missing resident at approximately 8:06 p.m. The missing person was located approximately one quarter of a mile north of the facility in a deep unimproved ditch.

The missing resident was found with no obvious injuries other than exposure from the cold.

The resident was subsequently transported by Pafford Ambulance to the Claiborne Memorial Medical Center. The resident was treated and later released.

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Sam Dowies was on scene and directed the recovery efforts. Sheriff Dowies complimented his deputies and all first responders for their immediate and professional response that led to the successful recovery of the missing person. Sheriff Dowies also complimented the private citizens who were willing to donate their time, equipment, and efforts.

Sheriff Dowies acknowledged that the combined efforts of all involved resulted in the successful recovery of the missing person. Sheriff Dowies stated, “I am proud to lead a group of men and women who are so dedicated to the well-being of persons in our community.”

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.