The Flower Mound police officer who was found in Florida earlier this week after disappearing was simply looking for a new start, his attorney says.
Sgt. Jeremy Varnell's family reported him missing after he disappeared after running the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon on Sunday. He was found Wednesday morning at a hotel in Lantana, Fla.
His attorney, Peter Schulte, said in a written statement that Varnell was taking personal time to reflect on private issues and appreciates the support friends, family and colleagues have given him in the past few days.
"He in no way intended for law enforcement to search for his whereabouts," he said. "He very much appreciates the concern and outpouring of support he has received from the community and looks forward to returning home to Texas in the next couple of days. He sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this misunderstanding."
Schulte said in a phone interview that his client simply wanted to get away, saying that rumors Varnell was living some kind of double life are not true.
Varnell currently is not facing any legal action over the matter but retained an attorney to deal with any personal backlash, Schulte said.
Schulte said Varnell was on the way back to Texas with family members. He expects to sit down with Varnell and Flower Mound police administrators sometime Monday.
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Police Chief Andy Kancel said Wednesday morning that it was a personnel issue the department would handle, saying the department was simply happy to hear that Varnell was OK.
