FARMINGTON — An elderly man who wandered away from his Maple Street residence early Wednesday morning was found by police with a canine unit several hours after he was reported missing.

Police said that Clyde Meader, 73, left his home sometime between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Wednesday and wandered to the town fairgrounds.

Meader, who has dementia and other medical problems, was reported missing by his wife and daughter about 6 a.m., said Sgt. Bill Tanner of the Farmington Police Department.

He said that police were preparing to start a grid search when Meader was found about 8:30 a.m. by an officer with a canine unit near the Maple Street entrance to the fairgrounds.

Meader was returned safely to his family and is in good condition, said Tanner.

The Farmington Police Department, Farmington Fire Department and Franklin County Sheriff’s Department responded. Tanner also said that town employees and residents helped in the search.

Rachel Ohm —  612-2368
[email protected]