Missing Leesburg woman found safe nearly a month later

LEESBURG, Fla. — Leesburg police said they’ve found a woman who had been missing for nearly a month.

Police said they received a call around 2 p.m. Saturday in reference to an elderly woman lying in the bushes in a Walmart parking lot on Citrus Boulevard.

When they arrived, they found Trautie Rankin, 74, who was reported missing on May 2.

They said Rankin was dirty and slightly confused, but appeared to be in good health.

She was transported to a nearby hospital to be evaluated and officers are still questioning her about her whereabouts.

Rankin had lived at a complex close to the Walmart for a little more than a month since moving down from South Carolina.

Crews had thoroughly searched the woods between the apartment complex and the Walmart, but there were no signs of Rankin.

Neighbors said Rankin would often walk back and forth from the store because she doesn’t own a car.

Detectives who searched her apartment found no signs of a crime and said while Rankin is showing early signs of dementia she has her wits about her.

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WFTV