Police Locate 79-Year-Old Frances Zernich In Center Township
CENTER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- A missing 79-year-old woman was found in a ditch Thursday morning in Beaver County.
Police believe 79-year-old Frances Zernich wandered away from her home sometime between midnight and 3 a.m. She was found in a ditch, not far from where she lived.
Center Township Police say they are thankful there was a positive end to their search for the 79-year-old.
Before daylight, emergency crews began searching for Frances Zernich.
"After the initial search and officers determined they needed more resources, they contacted the Beaver County Emergency Services and requested the firefighters respond," said Capt. Jon Hall, from the Center Township Police Department.
Along with fire trucks, ATVs were brought in, and there was even a drone to search overhead.
Zernich was found shortly after 7 a.m.
Crews had been searching for nearly four hours.
"She was outside - our estimation is from seven, anywhere from four to seven hours - we're not sure we have a window," Capt. Hall told KDKA's Lisa Washington.
Police say because of the cold weather, they had a short amount of time to find Zernich in good condition. Temperatures were in the low 20s.
"We were obviously playing against time and we got lucky, and we're very appreciative of that," said Capt. Hall. "Anytime we have a circumstance like this, when we can get the individual reunited safely with the family, it makes us all feel good."
Zernich was taken to a local medical facility for an evaluation.
