Missing Joaquin Man Located Safe After Search

January 15, 2020 - On January 14, 2020, at approximately 10 a.m., the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a call concerning a missing man in the area of County Road 3685 in Joaquin. The caller indicated that Elzie Holland, 68, of Joaquin, had left on foot to retrieve items from a residence located next door at approximately 7:45 p.m. on January 13. Holland never made it to the residence nor did he return home. The caller stated that Holland was using a walker at the time of his disappearance and did not get around well unassisted.

Sheriff Willis Blackwell, Chief Deputy Kevin Windham, and Deputy Josh Tipton arrived at the residence and began gathering information. Lieutenant Del Birdwell, Investigator Mandy Fears, and Deputy Jake Gross began searching the area on foot and by a utility vehicle. Investigators Chad Brown and Tanner Peace interviewed friends and family members on scene.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Sam Anderson arrived at the location and utilized a drag in a small pond in the front of the property with negative results. After searching for some time without results, officers gathered to discuss further action and areas to search.

Birdwell left the location and traveled by means of a utility vehicle to the location of County Road 3853, an area that had not been checked. Birdwell traveled the road to a clear cut and proceeded to follow the pathway. Looking down the path, Birdwell observed what he believed to be a person on the ground matching the description of Holland. Birdwell approached the male subject and called out to him, noting that he was alert. The subject identified himself as Holland. Birdwell notified SCSO communications at 12:20 p.m. and requested EMS.

Allegiance EMS arrived on scene and assumed patient care. Holland was transported to the Center emergency room in stable condition.