WCSO LOCATES MISSING 74-YEAR-OLD OUT OF MOBILE

Elderly white male with dark gray hairAt 7:05 this morning, Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies spotted a vehicle matching the description of a van possibly being driven by a missing/endangered man out of Mobile, Alabama. James Allen Bixler was reported missing yesterday by his wife.

Deputies conducted a traffic stop on the white mini van at the intersection of Highway 98 and Highway 331 S in Santa Rosa Beach.

Mr. Bixler was found in the driver seat, confused and disoriented. He also had a large laceration on the right side of his face. He was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for his wound.

“This situation could have turned out much worse,” says Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “There are few things more distressing than an elderly family member who has wandered away from home. I’m thankful we were able to find Mr. Bixler safely and reunite him with his family.”