Flomaton man is found safe

A 28-year old special needs man in Flomaton returned home safely Dec. 28 after being missing for about seven hours as temperatures dropped to near freezing.

Jeremy Clifton Dunn was reported missing from his Wiley Drive residence by his mother about 3 p.m. last Thursday.

Flomaton police responded and the K-9 tracking team from Fountain Prison was dispatched. Police also said an infrared drone, which was provided and operated by Anonymity Rescue of Atmore, was launched.

Officers with the Flomaton Police Department, the Flomaton Fire Department and the Escambia County Sheriff's Office began the search. Police said a team from Klaas Kids was also dispatched but was later canceled.

The K-9 team nor the drone were able to locate the missing man.

Flomaton Police Chief Bryan Davis said law enforcement was in the process of organizing a civilian search for Dunn when he walked out of the woods and back to his house between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Dunn was not injured.

"We're thankful things turned out the way they did," said Chief Davis. "We had a lot of help. Mike Lambert had multiple deputies on the scene to help and most all the firemen were on hand."

Davis also said there were probably more than a hundred citizens ready to walk through the woods to help in the search.

"After the K-9 team and drone, we wanted to narrow down where Jeremy was last seen before we launched a ground check," Davis said.

Davis said law enforcement and residents were gathering at Little Escambia Baptist Church to organize the ground search when Dunn walked back to the house.

"A lot of people came out to help," Davis said. "I appreciate it and I know Jeremy's family appreciates it."