Alert Candler County deputies and compassionate Metter Police Officers intervened in a situation Friday morning that could have led to a different and more devastating type of case.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, around 4:30 deputies were flagged down near the Food Lion in downtown Metter by an elderly gentleman wearing pajama pants and mismatched shoes, and the officers immediately knew something wasn’t right. They contacted the Metter Police Department and together they began piecing things together. Their instincts led them to believe he was possibly a nursing home resident and after some good ol’ gumshoe detective work, their instincts proved correct.

The gentleman was a resident at one of the nursing homes in Metter, and the facility was unaware that he was missing at the time officers encountered the man. He was returned to the nursing home safely without any injuries or any harm done.

And while this incident turned out favorably, Candler County deputies are working on another case that won’t be so heart-warming to the perpetrators. In the past week, two separate thefts involving Engine Control Modules from commercial tractor trailer trucks have been reported – one at a truck stop in Aline, and the other in Metter. The stolen mechanisms are referred to as the brain of the truck, and without it, the vehicle is inoperable. The thieves are targeting 60 Series Detroit engines, and replacement of the part can cost thousands of dollars.

Deputies have little leads to follow, but if someone attempts to sell these parts, the Candler County Sheriff's Office would like to be contacted at 912-685-8649.

Deputies are also cautioning truck drivers to stay alert, especially when parking overnight, and to report anything out of the ordinary.