On National Missing Persons Day LCSO highlights K9 who found missing man

A search in Lee County that began with fear ended with relief, thanks to a four-legged hero. Last week, a bloodhound named Remi helped deputies track down a 78-year-old missing man, Joceli Coutinho, who has dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

Coutinho wandered from his home and went missing overnight. When time was crucial and leads were limited, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office deployed a massive search effort. WINK News Anchor Annalise Iraola reported on the story from the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Carmine Marceno of the Lee County Sheriff's Office explained the urgency of the situation, noting the cold weather conditions.

"The weather was 40 degrees at the time this person goes missing, and 40 degrees hypothermia, we worry about a lot of different things," said Marceno.

K9 Remi and his handler, Deputy Robert Elwell, joined the search the following morning. They used a pair of Coutinho’s flip-flops to track the 22-hour-old scent. Remarkably, Remi found Coutinho within nine minutes.

"The moment the other handlers advised that he was still breathing. It was a sign of relief," said Elwell. "I mean, this is what we do, this for this reason here alone, to help bring families back to their missing loved ones."

Coutinho's grandson expressed gratitude for the community's support.

"It’s extraordinary that the community was there for us. And you know they all came together and it was a happy ending. I can’t thank them enough," said Coutinho's grandson.

The day after the search, Remi received a well-deserved reward.

"Anytime our dogs find somebody, it's a reward for them itself. I mean, whether it's a, you know, it's verbal praise, it's, you know, playtime, obviously, at that moment, at that moment, there was a comment about, you know, he deserves a steak," said Elwell.

Remi received a thick, juicy steak—a small thank you for a big job.

On National Missing Persons Day, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office encouraged families with loved ones who wander to be proactive by obtaining a scent kit, which can be vital in tracking down a missing person. Coutinho remains in the hospital, continuing his recovery, but his family plans to reunite with Remi, his handler, and the sheriff to personally thank them once he is released.