An 88-year-old missing man was found safe Sunday night after being missing for hours.

Albert Lea police and fire crews started searching for the man at 7:22 p.m. around Albert Lea, where the man lives. Family said he hadn’t been heard from since 2 p.m. Family members also said the 88-year-old has undiagnosed dementia problems.

The man was found at 9:40 p.m. by an off-duty Freeborn County sheriff’s deputy on County Road 20 north of 300th Street, or about 10 miles north of Albert Lea. He was reportedly walking near his car that had run out of gas.

Family said the man did not have a cellphone.

According to experts, the best steps to take when a person goes missing is to check common visiting places, contact friends and family over social media and contact law enforcement.