Missing Forsyth County Woman Maria Gonzalez Found Safe After Search

FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. (AP) — Authorities searched Thursday for a 56-year-old woman with a cognitive impairment who was reported missing in Forsyth County before later confirming she had been located safely.

Winston-Salem police said Maria Gonzalez was last seen around 2:30 p.m. in the area of West Clemmonsville Road near Southdale Avenue. She was described as Hispanic, about 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 120 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. At the time she went missing, she was wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt, gray sweatpants and a green bandana.

Because of her cognitive impairment, investigators classified Gonzalez as a high-risk missing person. Officers asked residents in nearby neighborhoods to check their properties and urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.

Police issued public alerts and requested tips through both English and Spanish language reporting lines as the search continued.

Later Friday, authorities announced that Gonzalez had been located and was safe. No additional details were released about where she was found or her condition.

Law enforcement officials thanked the public for its assistance and cooperation during the search.