The Clearwater community breathed a collective sigh of relief today as their search for Ralph Gerken, an 89-year-old resident with dementia, came to a happy conclusion. Gerken was reported missing from the 1000 block of Sunset Point Road and was believed to have been driving a Mercedes. The Clearwater Police Department confirmed his safe return in a brief social media update.
The initial report, which urged public vigilance, was disseminated quickly via the Clearwater Police Department’s Facebook page, stating, “Have you seen Ralph Gerken? The 89-year-old is missing from the 1000 block of Sunset Point Road. He has dementia and may be driving a Mercedes. Call 727-562-4242 with any info.” Within hours of the post, residents in the area and followers of the page began sharing the information, in hopes of aiding the police in a swift and successful search…