Missing Tyler Man Rescued by Police

TYLER — Tyler police are calling it “an excellent life-saving effort” by officers. Police announced around 10:00 Friday morning that Benny Pettigrew, who will be 80 next Wednesday, had been rescued from a creek. He’d last been seen at 509 House Avenue and was reported missing around 1:25 Friday morning. Pettigrew was considered to be a Critical Missing Adult due to his age and medical needs. According to a Tyler Police Department news release, several officers were assigned to the search, including Charles “Chuck” Barber, Wayne Thomas, Tom Whitworth, Richard Strother, and Steve Black.

Police say Barber volunteered to use the department’s ATV to search the large wooded lots in the area, which include several small ravine areas and a creek. Barber began his search south and west of the residence on House street on the ATV, then continued his search of the creek on foot near the railroad tracks. Pettigrew was found semi-conscious in the creek and suffering from the cold. Barber, Black, and Strother were able to extract Pettigrew from the water and move him to their vehicles, where they began first aid. EMS and the Tyler Fire Department arrived to assist the officers. Pettigrew was transported to a local hospital for treatment.