An elderly couple suffering from dementia was located safely after family members contacted the Cherokee County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office to report them missing earlier this week.

Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver said the couple did not have cell phones or any other way for family members or law enforcement to contact them. Deputies searched throughout the night, working to determine where the couple may have gone.

During the search, deputies used FLOCK camera technology to help follow the couple’s travel route. FLOCK cameras are license plate-reading cameras used by law enforcement agencies to capture vehicle information as cars pass certain locations. The cameras can help officers identify the direction a vehicle is traveling and provide leads in cases involving missing persons, stolen vehicles, wanted suspects, and other emergencies.

The sheriff’s office said information gathered by Cherokee County deputies was shared with nearby law enforcement agencies. After receiving those updates, the Russellville Police Department began searching its area and discovered that the couple had been involved in a vehicle accident.

Thankfully, the couple was located safely and was not seriously injured.

Sheriff Shaver said the cameras do not replace police officers or traditional investigations, but they can provide important information during time-sensitive situations. In this case, that information helped law enforcement narrow the search area and bring the incident to a safe ending.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office also thanked the Russellville Police Department for its assistance and quick response.