Florida officials announced that a mother of five who went missing earlier this week was found alive on Wednesday in a wooded area less than a mile from her home.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said 34-year-old Kayla Bailey spent several days without access to food or water.
Bailey was last seen at her home late Sunday evening and was reported missing the next day.
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
Why It Matters
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office had asked for the public’s assistance in locating Bailey. At the time, detectives believed she “may be in danger.”
The sheriff’s office and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) partnered for a joint search effort.
“Together, the two agencies were able to bring this to a successful conclusion,” JFRD Chief Gary Kuehner said.
What To Know
Monts said Bailey was found lying down in a wooded area just off a trail.
“One of our search teams of police and fire called in on the radio and announced that our victim was recovered alive and well, which is great news to us,” Sergeant Michael Monts said at a press conference.
Monts said the recent arrest of Kayla’s husband, Joshua Bailey, is unrelated to the missing person’s case. He is charged with violation of injunction for protection against domestic violence and violation of probation/community control, ActionNewsJax.com reported.
Monts said Kayla Bailey was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment and is currently in stable condition.
“We’re relieved this case had a positive outcome. We look forward to working with JFRD every day to keep Jacksonville safe,” Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook.
Monts said the sheriff’s office plans to do a more in-depth interview with Kayla Bailey.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said dozens of officers participated in the search, utilizing both new technology and “tried-and-true methods.”
“In every single case, we use every resource available to us to find a missing person and bring them home safely,” the sheriff’s office said.
What People Are Saying
Sergeant Michael Monts, at a press conference: “Our investigation will continue ongoing to check on the welfare of everyone involved, the children, the father, the mother and everyone that is involved in it. We are going to continue checking into everything. Again, we leave no stone unturned.”
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Gary Kuehner, at a press conference: “We’re just proud that the partnership between JSO [Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office] and JFRD just continues to work.”
What Happens Next
The circumstances of Kayla’s disappearance remain under investigation.
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