Moment missing elderly Florida man with dementia is found lying across train tracks by police helicopter after vanishing for five hours

Video footage has captured the moment a missing elderly man with dementia was found lying across train tracks in Florida after vanishing for five hours. 

A helicopter from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office spotted the missing senior sprawled across the tracks in Brandon, Florida, late Friday evening.

Authorities said the 'missing and endangered' man was found 'in distress' at about 12:10 am after having been missing for five hours. 

'When aviation arrived on the scene, the man had been missing for around five hours, but our team jumped into action and, with their eyes in the sky, quickly located the male lying in the middle of railroad tracks in distress,' Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office announced. 

A helicopter from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office spotted the missing senior sprawled across the tracks in Brandon, Florida, late Friday evening

Authorities said the 'missing and endangered' man was 'in distress' at about midnight after having been missing for five hours

The man, who has not yet been identified, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. 

'This incident underscores the importance of collaboration and the dedication of our teamHCSO deputies,' said Sheriff Chad Chronister, 'Thank you to everyone involved for your tireless efforts in keeping our community safe and for making sure this man returned to his family.' 

About 2,300 Americans are reported missing every day, and though the vast majority of them are found within a few days, others are still vanished.

California, Texas, and Florida have the most active cases, according to federal statistics, but aren't even in the top 10 when accounting for population.

California , Texas , and Florida have the most active missing person cases, according to federal statistics, but aren't even in the top 10 when accounting for population  

Last month, a police K9 came to the rescue of an 11-year-old girl who went missing in Florida and was found locked in a park bathroom 

Last month, a police K9 came to the rescue of an 11-year-old girl who went missing in Florida and was found locked in a park bathroom.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office responded to a call for help in a missing-persons case on Friday, January 26 at 7:57 pm.

The K9 named Mary Lu and Deputy Sarah Ernstes showed up at 16000 block of Carlton Lake Drive to assist in the search of a 'missing and endangered' girl.

Bodycam footage showed the moment Mary Lu managed to lead the deputy to a public bathroom at a park in the area.

The K9 followed the girl's scent and sniffed around the bathroom doors, indicating that she was inside.