A routine patrol along State Road 70 East in Manatee County led to the safe recovery of an elderly Broward County man who had been reported missing after failing to return home from work.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officers Martin Estrada and Matthew Johnston were patrolling the roadway when they noticed a vehicle being driven erratically. The driver repeatedly failed to maintain his lane, traveled below the posted speed limit and made unexpected stops, prompting the officers to initiate a traffic stop.
During the encounter, officers identified the driver as Saintano Jacques and discovered that a missing person alert had been issued for him in Broward County. His family had reported him missing after he failed to return home from work the previous day.
According to FWC, Jacques appeared confused about his location and showed signs of cognitive decline. Recognizing the situation, Estrada and Johnston contacted his family and coordinated arrangements to ensure his safe return.
Jacques was subsequently transported to Okeechobee County, where he was reunited with his loved ones.
FWC credited the officers’ attentiveness and proactive response with helping bring the missing man home safely. The agency also emphasized the importance of coordination among law enforcement agencies in locating missing individuals and protecting vulnerable residents.
FWC commended Estrada and Johnston for their professionalism, situational awareness and commitment to public safety, noting that their actions turned a routine traffic stop into a successful missing-person recovery.