WALB is working to produce a video for this story. In the meantime, we encourage you to watch our livestream.

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) — [UPDATE: April 15, 12:05 p.m.] Curtis Lee Hankins, 81, was found safe, according to the Valdosta Police Department.

Officials said he was located in McIntosh County.

[ORIGINAL ARTICLE:] The Valdosta Police Department (VPD) asked for the public’s help on Wednesday, April 15, in finding a man whom they classify as “missing and endangered.”

Investigators said Curtis Lee Hankins, 81, left his home in Valdosta to go the store and never returned.

Police said Hankins has health problems, including dementia.

Hankins was driving a 2009 Toyota Tacoma with Georgia license plate PZV1092.

Authorities confirmed automatic license plate readers discovered that his car traveled through Pierce and Brantley Counties in Southeast Georgia. However, investigators said they still have not located Hankins.

Hankins is 5’11” and weighs 190 lbs, officials said. He was last seen wearing a green shirt, khaki pants and black baseball cap, VPD said.

If you spot Hankins, please call 911.

If you have information about him, please call the Valdosta Police Department at (229) 293-3150.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.