Family of blind man with autism treats police officers who found him

A Canarsie family is giving back to the 69th Precinct officers who helped find their brother who has autism and is legally blind.

News 12 Staff

Feb 5, 2019, 12:53 AM

Updated 2,147 days ago

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A Canarsie family is giving back to the 69th Precinct officers who helped find their brother who has autism and is legally blind.
John Peebles, 51, went missing for four days last month in the midst of frigid temperatures. His family says he left their home Jan. 14 without his phone and got on a bus.
With the help of over 50 volunteers passing out flyers and working alongside the NYPD, an officer found Peebles 10 blocks from his home.
The family says Peebles was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated for dehydration and hypothermia. He is now home and healthy.
Peebles' family brought a special delivery of food for the officers Monday, saying it was the least they could do. The officers paid Peebles a visit Monday at his home. They say helping people like him makes their job worthwhile.
The family encouraged anyone with a loved one that has special needs to get a tracking device.