MCADENVILLE, N.C. — A missing man last seen in McAdenville was found safely Wednesday morning, according to Gaston County officials.
What started as a desperate search to find 69-year-old Geronimo Flores Rojas in Christmastown U.S.A. ended with a holiday miracle.
Rojas was reported missing Tuesday night. His family says he has dementia. They were enjoying the Christmas lights in downtown McAdenville when his family started taking some pictures, and somehow, he wandered off.
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Law enforcement with Gaston, Burke and Cabarrus counties began the search for Rojas just after 11 p.m. Tuesday. They say he was last seen in McAdenville. The search intensified into Wednesday when crews located the man alive and well.
“He was actually found not far from here,” Justin Sellers with Gaston County Emergency Management said.
Officials said Rojas crossed a highway and ended up at a nearby bike shop. He had some minor hypothermia but was treated for it.
“This was one of the best Christmas presents we could get this year; we brought a family members home safe,” Sellers said.
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