Barfield found safe in Haralson County
A l ocal f amily can breathe a sigh of relief after a Polk County man, who was missing, found but never returned home, was located safe and sound in Haralson County.
Both local authorities and the family confirmed that Nathan Barfield was located along a roadside in Haralson after a search was conducted over the weekend of Feb. 3 and 4, and then later last Tuesday when he was reported missing a second time.
Initially, authorities and the family reported that Barfield went missing on Saturday morning, Feb. 3 after he was supposed to go purchase breakfast for his wife and children, but then had never returned according to cousin Whitney Mullen.
Police intially reported that Barfield was found safe in Alabama and had told officers he was going to head home. However, Mullen then said her cousin never returned back home to his family.
Then they received a call from the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office that the vehicle had been found on Highway 27 at Mormon Church Road, unoccupied and with the keys still inside.
A search got underway last Tuesday following the discovery and the report to the family that included the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office, Haralson County Fire Department and Floyd County officials. Sheriff Johnny Moats also brought in the help of Tracy Sargent’s Search and Rescue dog to help try and track Barfield’s scent.
They had no luck on Tuesday, and rain showers potentially were set to dampen the hopes of picking up a potential trail last Wednesday morning, but then Barfield was found by Haralson County law enforcement walking along the side of the road.
Mullen said his wife spoke to her Wednesday morning and confirmed it was Barfield, and that he returned home safely to his family.
“They are extremely grateful for all the help from the surrounding communities, Polk Haralson, and Floyd County Police,” she said.