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Richmond police describe two back‑to‑back missing‑person responses that ended with subjects located safely
Summary
The police chief praised dispatchers and officers after two separate missing‑person incidents over consecutive days were resolved: a 16‑year‑old located in Plymouth, Mass., and an adult located in town after a multi‑agency search.
Richmond Police Department leaders told the council about two missing‑person responses and commended dispatchers and officers for exhaustive searches that located both individuals alive.
The police chief (name not specified in the meeting record) described the first case: a concerned parent reported a 16‑year‑old who had not returned home after leaving with an acquaintance. Dispatch and detectives used cell‑phone leads and multi‑jurisdictional assistance to locate the juvenile in Plymouth, Massachusetts, about six hours after the report. The chief credited dispatcher Crystal Marchetti, Sergeant Jeff Juan, Detective Drew Bishop, Patrolman Andy Brydie and others with the successful outcome.
The second call came the following evening when a concerned partner reported an adult who had not shown for work and left their cell phone and identification at home. The department conducted an exhaustive local search—using state police K‑9, thermal imaging supplied by the Carolina Fire Department and wide area sweeps—and located the adult in a roadside area inside town. The chief said the person admitted self‑harm ideation but accepted assistance and was transported to the hospital.
The chief emphasized the workload and coordination involved: “The legwork has to be done… They did a great job. They coordinated with Mass State Police intelligence unit… The outcome will be known to you when you get there.” Council members thanked department staff for the work.
Why it matters: The reports highlight the role of dispatch, mutual aid and detective work in resolving time‑sensitive welfare checks and underline coordination with neighboring jurisdictions and rescue services.
Next steps: No formal action. The chief and councilors said they will continue to support training, interagency cooperation and resources for dispatch and patrol operations.
