Police body camera footage captured the moment a heroic K-9 named Boomer sniffed out and located a missing 96-year-old man in Lutz, Florida, just north of Tampa. On Saturday, Ray Cornett was reported missing to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, which described him as an 'endangered person.'
Search and Rescue Operation
A search party consisting of multiple specialty units was dispatched to the area. Among them was an officer with his trusty K-9, Boomer, a bloodhound breed specialized in tracking. The officer's body camera recorded him taking Boomer out of the backseat of his patrol vehicle and leashing him while affectionately saying, 'Hey Booms.'
The officer then placed an item belonging to Cornett that held his scent in front of the police dog's nose and commanded, 'Find him!' Boomer immediately took off, leading the officer through a lakeside area and into dense trees and foliage.
Discovery and Recovery
Boomer quickly zeroed in on Cornett, who appeared to be lying on the ground. The officer radioed, 'Hey, I found him in the woods.' Another officer checked on the elderly man, asking if he was okay. The handler praised Boomer, saying, 'Good boy! Good boy, Boomer!'
Shortly before the video ends, an officer and another man are seen slowly escorting Cornett out of the wooded area. A firetruck and three members of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue were also present. Police confirmed that Cornett was located just a few hundred yards from his home and safely returned.
Public Praise and Family Gratitude
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office posted the body camera footage on Facebook, congratulating officers and praising Boomer. Dozens of commenters shared enthusiasm, with one writing, 'Love it! Get that dog a steak.' Another said, 'Nothing better than those floppy eared dogs… Great Work.' Yvonne Cornett, the missing man's daughter, commented, 'Wonderful job by boomer!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for finding my dad!!!'
The sheriff's office did not provide details on how or why Cornett went missing. The Daily Mail has reached out for additional comment.
