78-Year-Old Missing Man Reunited with K9 Rescuer

Lee County man with Parkinson's and dementia found safe after 24-hour search

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Joceli Coutinho, a 78-year-old man with Parkinson's disease and dementia, was reported missing in Lehigh Acres, Florida in January. After a 24-hour search in freezing temperatures, Lee County Sheriff's Office K9 Remington was able to track and locate Coutinho in the woods near a local church. Coutinho and his family later met with the LCSO to celebrate his safe return.

Why it matters

This story highlights the critical role K9 units can play in search and rescue operations, especially for vulnerable individuals like the elderly who may wander off. It also underscores the importance of community collaboration and preparedness programs like ReUnite that help law enforcement respond quickly and effectively to missing persons cases.

The details

According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, K9 Remington, a bloodhound, was able to pick up on a 22-hour-old scent from a flip-flop Coutinho had worn the day before he went missing. Remington tracked Coutinho for less than half a mile before finding him in the woods near the Agape Christian Fellowship Church.

  • Coutinho was reported missing out of Lehigh Acres in January.
  • Coutinho had been missing for nearly 24 hours in freezing temperatures before he was located.

The players

Joceli Coutinho

A 78-year-old man with Parkinson's disease and dementia who was reported missing in Lehigh Acres, Florida.

K9 Remington

A bloodhound with the Lee County Sheriff's Office who was able to track and locate the missing Coutinho.

Thomas Mafra

Coutinho's grandson, who previously spoke to Gulf Coast News about the search for his missing grandfather.

Lee County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that led the search and rescue operation for Coutinho.

ReUnite

A collaboration between United Way and law enforcement designed to help with search and rescue operations, which Coutinho enrolled in after his safe return.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Coutinho enrolled in the ReUnite program to help with any future search and rescue efforts, providing a scent kit and information ahead of time.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical role of K9 units and community collaboration in search and rescue operations, especially for vulnerable individuals like the elderly who may wander off. It underscores the importance of preparedness programs like ReUnite that help law enforcement respond quickly and effectively to missing persons cases.