Searchers scouring Fort Myers for 65-year-old woman with dementia

A search is underway in Fort Myers for a 65-year-old woman reported missing on Sunday.

Police were searching along several streets on Wednesday looking for Maria Espinal, who is considered endangered because she has dementia. A K-9 picked up on a scent, according to police.

Espinal was last seen walking on Luckett Road, east of Ortiz Avenue. She was wearing a light green/blue sweater, gray sweatpants and black Croc-style shoes.

Her daughters are also out searching for her, hoping to find her safe and bring her home before the holidays.

“We’re still looking and we will still keep on looking,” said her daughter, Jessica Espinal.

“At this point, I don’t care; I go in the woods, we go street to street.”

Police say K-9s picked up on a scent and started to track it, covering a lot of ground in a short time – but so far, nothing.

“There is times where, I’m not going to lie to you, there’s moments that I feel frustrated, devastated, that all I can do is cry,” Jessica said.

But she promised she’d find a way to stay positive and keep going.

“We’re still going to be everywhere; we’re adamant and we want her to be here.”

Anyone who sees Espinal is asked to call the Fort Myers Police Department at 239-321-7700.