LoJack device leads police to wandering man

HIALEAH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police quickly found an elderly man who disappeared, thanks to a device he was wearing.

Sixty-nine-year-old Amos Adams resides at an assisted living facility in Hialeah. Amos suffers from dementia, heart problems, and a benign tumor that has robbed him of some of his eyesight.

Amos has been living at the facility for the past six years and is known as an extreme wanderer. "He's pretty slick. He's slippery. He can get away," said Amos' son, Orenthal Adams.

A few months ago, the facility's owner suggested that Amos wear a tracking device, as part of a service called SafetyNet by LoJack, a company known more for its anti-car-theft devices. The bracelet emits radio frequency signals that police can track.

The service began in parts of Miami-Dade County back in April 2011. Kathy Kelleher said, "Specifically, people with dementia, Alzheimer's, autism, anyone with a cognitive condition is at risk of wandering."

On Sunday night, Amos once again slipped away from the facility near Palm Avenue and 14th Street.

Staffers at the facility contacted police, and within several minutes, authorities tracked Amos more than a mile away from the facility. He was standing in front of an auto repair shop. "It was very scary," said Orenthal Adams. "I am always afraid for his life. He could have stumbled in front of a car."

However, Orenthal is grateful that his father was found safe and sound, thanks to the device. "It used to be a problem, and it used to be a big worry, but now, thanks to LoJack, the tracking device, it's better. It takes a great burden off," he said. "As a result of this tracking device, things are going to be better."

SafetyNet by LoJack does have an enrollment fee and a monthly fee. If you would like more information, please visit https://safetynetbylojack.com/.

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