Knoxville police find missing elderly woman following search

Those with information were urged to contact 911.
Those with information were urged to contact 911.
Published: Jan. 29, 2023 at 11:33 AM EST|Updated: Jan. 29, 2023 at 10:12 PM EST
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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Authorities found a missing elderly woman following a search Sunday morning, according to the Knoxville Police Department.

Bernice Riske, 82, walked out of a facility on Middlebrook Pike in the Broome Road area at midnight and was reported missing late Sunday morning, KPD officials said.

Authorities initially reported she went missing from an assisted living facility, but later confirmed it was an independent living facility.

She was wearing a plaid shirt and pants when she went missing, according to a surveillance photo. Officials said she has multiple health concerns.

In a later update, KPD officials said Riske had been located by the department’s search and rescue team with the assistance of patrol officers and Knox County Rescue.

She was transported to the hospital, according to a release. Riske was “extremely cold,” KPD officials said. She is currently in serious but stable condition.