Missing man found safe

Published 11:03 am Thursday, February 20, 2020

WOODLEAF — Austin Reed of Woodleaf, who was reported missing Tuesday, was located by deputies in Burke County around 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Reed was located in the town of Valdese, and told deputies that he was, in fact, headed to Tennessee, which his family had indicated as a possibility. His sister lives in Tennessee.

Burke County deputies made sure that Austin Reed was dressed appropriately for the weather, and verified that he was in good condition. Reed is an adult and was found not to be in any distress, so deputies made contact with his mother to tell her that he had been located.

Deputies removed Austin Reed from NCIC, and he was allowed to continue his trip to Tennessee.