Cops Thanked For Saving Missing Man Who Wandered 145 Miles

WATSONVILLE, CA — The family of an elderly man who went missing from Clovis and turned up in Watsonville last month recently sent a sweet and symbolic thank you package to the police department. Gerry Haney, 87, drove about 145 miles away from home before he was discovered behind Martinelli's in Watsonville on Valentine’s Day. The day before, the Clovis Police Department issued a Silver Alert for Haney, who was believed to be headed for Los Angeles or San Bernardino.

Police said Haney was disoriented, hungry and tired. They brought him back to the police department, where he was fed and kept safe until his family arrived to take him home.

To show their gratitude, Haney’s wife and daughters sent police a thank-you package containing items symbolizing something about his rescue: a bottle of Martinelli's cider; a deck of cards for other missing persons to use as a way to pass the time; greeting cards; a heart-shaped photo; and Valentine’s Day decorations and balloons.

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Photo courtesy Watsonville Police Department