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Bizarre Twist In Tale Of Missing Pembroke Pines Woman Found In Georgia

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PEMBROKE PINES (CBSMiami) – A missing Pembroke Pines woman who disappeared after buying groceries has been found safe.

After a 14 hour plus search, Damaris Saavedra Rodriguez, 43, and a man she was with, Luis Eduardo Carvajal, were found in Brunswick, Georgia.

Pembroke Pines Police said they do not think charges will be filed in this case.

"At this time we do not believe a crime was committed although there was a significant amount of expense by police in this matter and unfortunately this did not need to happen as it did," said Capt. Al Xiques of Pembroke Pines Police.

Xiques told CBS4's Peter D'Oench, "This could have been prevented if only we had known the facts earlier."

Neighbors said they were grateful Saavedra Rodriguez was found safely but were concerned.

Neighbor Albert Martino said,  " I am glad to hear that she was found after being missing for so long but I feel bad for the family."

"I am sad for the family and for her kids," said Janet Martino.

Saavedra's family reported her missing after she went to the Publix store at the Shops of Silver Lakes at 18341 Pines Boulevard on Monday night and never returned. Surveillance video shows her leaving the building around 10 p.m. and walking to the parking lot.

Police say they got a call from Saavedra Rodriguez's husband when his wife return home. Her family then went to the store.

"They were able to locate her vehicle along with groceries that were found inside with perishable items that she had purchased. However, Mrs. Saavedra wasn't there," said police Captain Al Xiques.

Saavedra Rodriguez's family believes she met with Carvajal and the two took off in his Dodge Caravan.

Luis Carvajal
Luis Carvajal (Source: Pembroke Pines Police)

Police initially investigated Saavedra Rodriguez's disappearance as a possible abduction.

Friends say Saavedra Rodriguez and Carvajal are good people and Jehovah's witnesses who value their faith.

Police have determined that Saavedra Rodriguez was acting of her own free will and no foul play is suspected.

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