MIRAMAR. Fla. – A Miramar family is celebrating an emotional reunion Friday after their 75-year-old matriarch, who suffers from dementia, was found safe days after thanks to a tip from a Local 10 News viewer who recognized her from a televised report.
Lamont Richardson, the son of Rosa Richardson, expressed immense relief and gratitude as he embraced his mother.
“This is my Christmas present right here,” he said, holding back tears. “Getting my queen home.”
Police said Rosa Richardson disappeared nearly a week ago from her home in Miramar.
Surveillance footage later showed her at the North Dade Justice Center in North Miami, prompting her family to file a missing persons report.
9 a.m. report:
The breakthrough came when a viewer in Hialeah recognized her from news coverage.
Juan Santana and his friends, who had seen her earlier at a bait and tackle shop, sprang into action after realizing she was missing.
“Our buddy Alex called us this morning and said, ‘Hey, have you watched the news? That lady was here yesterday,’” Santana said. “We knew we had to find her.”
Santana and his friends located Richardson on Red Road, then immediately called the authorities.
“Someone from the Hialeah community saw the news last night and called in with a tip,” said Janice McIntosh with Miramar police.
Rosa appeared healthy and in good spirits as she reunited with her family.
Lamont, overwhelmed with gratitude, thanked the Good Samaritans who found his mother.
“Anything could’ve happened to her. I can’t thank them enough. I really appreciate it,” he said.
The family is now cherishing the return of their matriarch, calling it “the best holiday gift they could have received.”