Fort Walton Beach, Fla. — A missing endangered adult reported earlier this week was safely located after a coordinated response involving law enforcement, local businesses, and the public, according to the Fort Walton Beach Police Department.

Police said officers received a report around 9 a.m. on February 3, 2026, that an endangered adult had gone missing after leaving her residence approximately an hour earlier in her vehicle.

While officers were gathering information, employees at a local Waffle House contacted law enforcement to report a woman matching the missing person’s description who was attempting to distribute cash to customers, raising concern for her safety.

Shortly afterward, the individual’s vehicle was detected by automatic license plate readers within Fort Walton Beach. A Silver Alert was issued, and a social media notification was distributed to help locate the vehicle.

Officers with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, working alongside the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, saturated the area in an effort to find the missing woman. A subsequent license plate reader alert indicated the vehicle was near Hill Avenue, where officers conducted a traffic stop.

The individual was safely located, and emergency medical services responded to evaluate her condition. Police credited the quick actions of local employees, partnering agencies, and the public for helping bring the incident to a safe resolution.