IRVINE, CA (November 8, 2012): UPDATED 11/8/12 @ 4:15 p.m.
On Wednesday, November 7, 2012, just after 10:00 p.m., the Irvine Police Department received a missing persons report from the family of Chang Ko, a 62-year-old Irvine man.
Ko suffers from Alzheimer’s and other health issues requiring medication. He was last seen on November 7th at 7:30 a.m. at his home in the 400 block of Hayes in Irvine. He was likely wearing a white tank top, blue jeans and black tennis shoes. Family members believe he left his home for a walk sometime between 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Ko frequently takes long walks and in the past has been located at the family’s church, Orange Hill Presbyterian, in the City of Orange. He is also known to walk to the Tustin Marketplace.
Family members searched areas Ko frequents prior to making the report last night. Irvine officers continued to search the area throughout the night and are adding resources to the search this morning including blood hounds and helicopter support from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Due to the length of time Ko has been gone and his past history of walking long distances police are seeking the public’s assistance with this search.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Irvine Police Department at 949-724-7200.
UPDATE: On November 8, 2012, at approximately 4:00 p.m., the Santa Ana Police Department located Mr. Ko in the 1300 block of Main Street in Santa Ana. He was hungry but otherwise in good health. The Santa Ana officer provided him with a meal while they waited for Irvine detectives to arrive and reunite Mr. Ko with his family.
IRVINE POLICE DEPARTMENT
One Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 724-7000 www.irvinepd.org
"Working In Partnership with the Community"
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The City of Irvine has a population of more than 212,000, spans 65 square miles and is recognized as one of America's safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine's enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of the Orange County Great Park – the first great metropolitan park of the 21st century. For more information, please visit www.cityofirvine.org.