Lakeland Retired Deputy Police Chief Found Safe

LAKELAND, FL — Retired Lakeland Deputy Police Chief Clarence Grier, who had been missing since Wednesday afternoon, was found safe late Friday afternoon.

"Great news. Retired Deputy Chief Clarence Grier ... was located a short time ago," the Polk County Sheriff's Office announced.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Lakeland Police Chief Rubin Garcia recorded a personal plea earlier on Friday asking for the public's help to find Grier, who retired after more than 34 years on the force. The lawmen said Grier suffers from dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

A license plate reader detected Grier’s truck north of Ocala around 5:30 am Thursday. He was finally found at a Wawa store in St. Petersburg, Florida "safe and sound," according to the sheriff's office.

To report a tip, call 863-834-6900.