Gwen Doty (LVMPD)
Doty arrives home on the back of an ATV Monday evening
Volunteers and neighbors searched for Doty throughout the day
Metro SAR used a helicopter in an attempt to locate DotyA Sandy Valley resident, who was presumed missing after a late night walk has been found safe, Metro Police said.
FOX5 was at the residence of 58 year-old Gwen Doty when she returned home, riding on the back of an ATV. She was found by her son at around 6:30 p.m.
Metro Search and Rescue crews spent the day looking for Doty, who disappeared at around 10:00 p.m. Sunday. Family and friends gathered at the local fire department to coordinate searches for Doty, who frequently walks in the area.
"She left last night at 10:00 to take an extended hike," said Metro Sgt. Joe Gibbons. "(Doty) planned on staying the night. She wanted to be alone with her thoughts and clear her head and do some praying."
Police said Doty did not alert family members about her trip, and were concerned for her safety, given the triple-digit heat and rough terrain in the area.
Doty's son, who did not want to be identified, said he found his mother while searching just before dark.
"I found some tracks that I thought were her's, so I followed those tracks real slow... and kept persevering. I came up over this ridge and saw her standing there."
Metro said the woman will not face criminal charges, but urges hikers to inform family members prior to embarking on a trip in order to avoid a full-scale search.
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