National Guardsman missing after flooding in Ellicott City

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. — A member of the National Guard remains missing following the flooding in Ellicott City Sunday.

Eddison Hermond, 39, of Severn, was reported missing around 12:30 a.m. Monday, Howard County officials said.

Friends of the former Air Force member said he was swept away Sunday evening outside La Palapa restaurant in a parking lot in Ellicott City.

Police said Hermond was holding a door to keep water out when a woman said her cat was missing in an area behind the restaurant. Hermond went to help look for the cat when he was swept into the water, police said.

Family and friends are holding out hope as rescuers search Hermond.

"We just want him to come back safe. That's all we want," Staff Sgt. Shawn Gates said.

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