Missing mentally disabled woman found safe in DeLand soup kitchen

DeLAND, Fla. — A 24-year-old woman with the mental capacity of a 5-year-old who disappeared on Tuesday morning was found safe at a soup kitchen in DeLand.

Caressa Mercer was found safe Tuesday evening after her family reported her missing about 11:40 a.m.

Mercer’s family said she was last seen sleeping about 6 a.m. at her home along West New Hampshire Avenue.

Family members contacted friends and searched for Mercer on their own before contacting the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office to ask for help.

The sheriff’s office helicopter was used in the search as several deputies and bloodhounds from the Tomoka Correctional Institute canvassed the area.

WFTV learned she was found safe later in the evening at a local soup kitchen.

WFTV