The NIXLE alert system used by Bluffton police achieved its purpose this morning.

According to Rick Skilliter, Bluffton police chief:

"On Wednesday, Nov. 21, Bluffton police officers were called to a missing person report. The officer arrived at 6:52 a.m. to learn that an elderly male had left the residence during the overnight hours, and was only wearing a tee shirt and underware. The investigating officer notified the supervisor, who arrived at 7:05 a.m. 

"The supervisor initiated a NIXLE alert from the scene at 7:15 a.m. to alert the community
to begin checking their neighborhood for a missing vehicle and the elderly male. At 7:24 a.m., a citizen called in after receiving the NIXLE alert. The citizen observed the truck along a woods and figured it was a hunter getting an early start.

A sheriff's deputy responded to check the information and located the vehicle and missing man at 7:29 a.m. The man was suffering from severe hypothermia and taken to the hospital."

Skilliter told The Icon: "I can honestly say that this alert resulted in the timely discovery of the vehicle and subsequent rescue of the elderly male."

Here is the NIXLE text of the first message sent at 7:20 a.m.:

Alert: Please check neighborhood for White Ford F-150 pick up truck. Lic # FFV9372. Missing elderly white male. Little clothing call 911.

Here is the NIXLE text of the second message sent at 8:03 a.m.:

Alert: Update. Subject found thanks to a tip from a response from the Nixle alert

Click here for more details on the Bluffton Police Department's NIXLE alert system.