Melonie Ballenger, who was reportedly missing since November 4, has been found. According to the Wylie Police Department,
"Melonie Ballenger was located near Abby Lane and Tyler Trail by a resident.” She was described as “severely dehydrated but otherwise in good health."
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after locating Ballenger and transported her to a nearby hospital for treatment. The Wylie Police Department said:
"We are relieved to report that Melonie has been found and is now safe. We appreciate the community’s support and the tireless efforts of law enforcement and volunteers who worked around the clock to locate her."
Melonie Ballenger found safe days after disappearing for days
The 46-year-old had been missing since Monday morning. Ballenger and her husband Daniel reportedly went to bed on Sunday evening; however, in the early hours on Monday morning, the family woke up to find her missing without her "cash, credit card, wallet, ID," Daniel told CBS News Texas.
Daniel and Melonie Ballenger have two young girls together.
"I love her. I hope she's safe and her daughters [are] missing her, and we just want her back. Please come home," Daniel told WFAA.
An extensive search was launched by the Wylie Police Department, including K9 units, a helicopter, and flyering. Residents were even asked to review outdoor camera footage to help the police search for clues.
"Officers, along with the help of investigators, K9 search dogs, and a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter, searched the area for multiple hours but were unable to locate Melonie. The Wylie Police Department is requesting any assistance in locating Melonie. Residents in the area are asked to review their outdoor camera footage between the hours of 12 am and 6 am to see if there is any video of Melonie in the area. She is described as 5’7, 135 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. It is unknown what she was wearing when she left the residence," the Wylie police department wrote on Facebook.
The Texas Department of Public Safety on Thursday issued a Coordinated Law Enforcement Adult Rescue "CLEAR" Alert for Ballenger, which helps authorities find missing, kidnapped, or abducted adults aged 18 to 64 in immediate danger of injury or death.
However, on Friday afternoon, the Wylie Police Department confirmed that Ballenger had been found just over a mile from her home with scrapes on her hands.
"It was nothing that signaled foul play," sergeant Donald English told the Dallas Morning News.
According to him, she could've been just out in the elements.
"Melonie is currently being reunited with her family and taken to a hospital for treatment. We want to thank everyone who worked day and night trying to find her. Please respect the privacy of the family as they reunite with their loved one. Again, Melonie has been located and is safe," the authorities said.
The fears over Ballenger’s disappearance grew as she is due to undergo heart surgery in the coming weeks and also left critical medication at her home. Her neighbors gathered at Gateway Community Church on Tuesday night for a vigil, offering prayers for Ballenger’s safe return.
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"We want to thank everyone who worked day and night trying to find her. Please respect the privacy of the family as they reunite with their loved one," police wrote in their statement.
The investigation into the circumstances of her disappearance is still ongoing. Sergeant Donald English stated that authorities will continue to look into all aspects of the case as part of the ongoing investigation.
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