THP Aviation & Special Operations Unit Assist in the Rescue of Williamson County Missing Man

NASHVILLE --- Sgt. Brad Lund, a pilot with the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Aviation and Special Operations Unit, found a missing Williamson County man approximately half a mile from his home in Thompson Station late Thursday morning. The man was believed to have dementia and wandered away from his residence at approximately 10:30 p.m. Wednesday night.

 The Williamson County Sheriff’s Department requested aviation support from the Highway Patrol in the search for Craig Benson, 67, of Thompson Station this morning. Sgt. Lund was dispatched and joined the search at approximately 10:09 a.m. After canvassing the area for nearly 45 minutes, Sgt. Lund spotted the man on the back side of a parking lot near the old Homestead Manor in Thompson Station at 10:53 a.m. He was lying in a shallow hole on the surface, where he apparently had fallen asleep overnight.  

Sgt. Lund contacted the ground team and directed them to the man’s location.  He was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. 

“Sgt. Lund is a great pilot and did a remarkable job in the air today,” THP Colonel Tracy Trott said. “We were glad to assist in this search, and fortunate that the outcome was a positive one.” 

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Department was also assisted by the Williamson County Rescue Squad, Franklin Fire and Rescue, and Maury County K-9 unit. 

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public.  The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.   

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