Missing person Blue Mt Beach [update: found]

[SHELLY]

Rescuers: Man didn't drown, just got lost

After hours of searching the water for a Chicago man, the Walton County Sheriff's Office received notice he was safe, sound and not in the Gulf of Mexico.

The man arrived in Walton County Wednesday evening and had been out drinking with friends when they decided to go to the beach near the Blue Mountain Beach public access point, according to Undersheriff Bill Chapman.

About 2:30 a.m., a deputy patrolling the area noticed the group and everyone was accounted for, but by 5:30 a.m. a call had been placed to 9-1-1 to report the group thought the man might be in distress in the water.

"One of them thought they saw him go into the water and disappear," Chapman said. "After several hours, they let us know."

The Sheriff's Office launched a helicopter and U.S. Coast Guard station Destin sent a 41-foot utility boat to the area to aid in the search. South Walton Fire District lifeguards patrolled the beach on ATVs.

By mid-morning, officials feared the worst, Chapman said.

The man placed a call to friends about 11 a.m. to let them know he was safe.

"We did a lot of searching, but apparently he'd wandered off the beach and went to a store to get to the phone," Chapman said. "He wasn't familiar with the area and had been walking and walking and walking."

No charges will be filed, Chapman said, because it wasn't a false report. The people involved were just intoxicated. Chapman also said it appears the man first thought to be a victim is an ex-police officer who may be planning a move to the area. :roll:

"There are a lot of man hours and expense that goes into something like this," Chapman said. "It can't be recouped."

 

[scooterbug44]

So if they cost the county $$$ because they are drunk or stupid, there are no consequences whatsoever?

That's certainly what we want to be publicizing right before Spring Break. :roll:

 

[thenewgirl]

I'm glad to hear that nobody is hurt, but man. I bet that guy feels like a jackass.

 

[SHELLY]

I'm glad to hear that nobody is hurt, but man. I bet that guy feels like a jackass.

...there may be a connection there as to why he's an EX-police officer.

.

 

[Smiling JOe]

So if they cost the county $$$ because they are drunk or stupid, there are no consequences whatsoever?

That's certainly what we want to be publicizing right before Spring Break. :roll:

good training. Glad to hear that officers worked in unison.

It is interesting how we went from emotions of sadness when we thought a man had maybe been dead in the water, to a little upset about the expense of it when we found out that he is safe.

If that group had feared that they would be charged for the search, but still thought their friend went into the water and needed help, would they be as likely to call the cops?

 

[Lynnie]

Yeah - this thread really had me worried - glad he is ok!

 

[Kurt]

My first reaction after learning he was found was to be a little perturbed at the expense. Then I thought, we often spend lots of time and money searching for people who are found dead, or never found at all. So I will raise my glass to the dude for staying alive.

Maybe said undead dude will repay his debt somehow.

 

[avalon]

My first reaction after learning he was found was to be a little perturbed at the expense. Then I thought, we often spend lots of time and money searching for people who are found dead, or never found at all. So I will raise my glass to the dude for staying alive.

Maybe said undead dude will repay his debt somehow.

He could buy some property and become a taxpayer to the county! All's well that ends well.

 

[Matt J]

I hope the Sheriff's department flags this genius in case he fills out an application.