Man Missing In Harnett Park Found Safe

Samuel McClean, 56, came walking out of the woods around 6:30 a.m. Monday. He was last seen along a park trail around 7 p.m. Sunday.

Authorities say McClean became disoriented along a trail Sunday, found a large rock to rest on and made a small fire to keep mosquitos away during the night.

"He's doing fine. He had heard the rescue operation and that was what he was coming out to. He knew we were out here," Sheriff Larry Rollins said.

About 40 members of the Harnett County search and rescue crew, made up of officials and volunteers, and two K9 units participated in a massive search overnight after a park ranger noticed McClean's vehicle when he closed the park for the night around 9:30 p.m.

"It was a good drill," Rollins said. "Everytime we do these we learn about communcations between departments and how we operate. It's good for us."

Rollins said the man is known to frequent the park, sometimes coming out for ventures lasting two or three days.