Missing 82-Year-Old Back at Home

Shortly before 5 p.m., Mark and Jamie Stroupe, who live in the neighborhood, spotted Palanciuc, who does not speak English, and showed him a missing persons flier of himself. They then called police.

Police officers, search dogs and a North Carolina Highway Patrol helicopter searched since Tuesday in and over the neighborhood and surrounding area, including a nearby lake.

As each hour passed, the family said they grew more concerned  that something might have happened to him.

The family said they were happy and relieved Palanciuc was found alive and were thankful to all who assisted in the search.

"I am fine," Palanciuc said when he was reunited with his family, adding he had a headache. But he did not say where he had been. He was taken to WakeMed to be evaluated but was back home Wednesday night.

She said he usually carries a piece of paper with his address but was not sure if he had it with him when he left Tuesday.

Palanciuc’s family still hasn't been able to find out from him where he was. They hope after a good night sleep, he will be able tell them more about what happened.