Missing Tewksbury Woman Found Safe In RI

TEWKSBURY, MA -- Tewksbury Police said Wednesday that Emily Medina, 24, had been found safe in Warwick, RI. Medina was reported missing Tuesday afternoon, sparking off an overnight search that included 10 police dogs and spanned two states.

"The appropriate authorities are working with her now to make sure she receives the proper level of care," Tewksbury Police Chef Timothy Sheehan said.

Medina, who is hearing-impaired and non-verbal, was last seen a 3 pm Tuesday by staff at Tewksbury State Hospital, where she lives. By Wednesday morning, Sheehan said investigators were looking into leads that she may be in the Fall River or New Bedford area.

"We worked through the night to validate that information and locate Ms. Medina but have not yet located her. We have received calls from individuals indicating she was looking for a ride to New Bedford yesterday as well," Sheehan said.

A check of area hospitals and with her family in New Bedford had not produced any clues as to her whereabouts. Police believed she may be endangered, and their efforts to find her were hindered when she turned off her cellphone shortly after leaving the hospital's property.

"Ms. Medina had sent an email to a Tewksbury State Hospital staff member at 3:37 pm indicating feelings of low self-worth and that she may be intent on harming herself," Sheehan said.

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Photo by Tewksbury Police.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).