The Knoxville Police Department said an missing elderly man who prompted a search was found in the Smoky Mountains.

Investigators said 82-year-old George Sexton was 'disoriented but safe' when he was found by officers on October 16.

Police originally issued an alert after Sexton went missing from West Town Mall on Oct. 16 around noon.

Police considered him endangered because they said he suffers from dementia and a severe heart condition.

Investigators thanked the public for helping find Sexton.