UPDATED: NORCO: Missing, “at-risk” 76-year-old found safe after wandering into random home

UPDATED: Sunday, Nov. 19, 11 p.m.

NORCO — A 76-year-old who was reported missing Friday, Nov. 17, was located by sheriff’s officials more than 24 hours after his disappearance was reported. Medical personnel later determined the man was in good condition, but he was held for overnight observation at an area hospital as a precautionary measure.

John McCormack was found by deputies who had responded to a report that a homeowner had found an “elderly and disoriented” man inside their residence, Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant Joshua Parker explained after McCormack’s safe recovery.

Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Norco Station responded to the home about 7:45 p.m., after the surprised homeowner called 911 to report finding McCormack inside the residence, Saturday, Nov. 18.

When deputies arrived, they recognized McCormack as the missing man they had been searching for since the previous afternoon.

McCormack was medically evaluated by fire personnel and “seemed in good health,” said Parker. He was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation and kept for overnight observation.

Deputies, a Sheriff’s bloodhound, members from the department’s aviation unit, sheriff’s volunteers and citizens on horseback conducted an extensive, hours-long search after McCormack was reported missing the previous afternoon.

Despite their combined and coordinated efforts, officials and volunteers were unable to locate the missing man.

Because of McCormack’s age and medical condition the sheriff’s department had considered him to be “at-risk” and they issued a Silver Alert. The alert was later cancelled after McCormack’s safe recovery.

It was not immediately known if McCormack would be returning to the care facility he had wandered away from or if family members had made other arrangement’s for his care.

 

NORCO — Sheriff’s officials are asking for the public’s help locating a missing, elderly man they say possibly walked away from the assisted living facility where he lives. The man was last seen Friday afternoon, Nov. 17, on the 4000 block of Crestview Drive in Norco.

Officials identified the missing man as 76-year-old, John McCormack, of Norco.

McCormack suffers from dementia and diabetes and is considered “at-risk,” Riverside County Sheriff’s Sergeant Joshua Parker explained in a written press release.

Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Norco Station were dispatched to the care facility at 3:23 p.m., after staff at the facility realized McCormack was missing.

When deputies arrived at the location, they searched the facility and determined that McCormack was nowhere to be found.

“It is believed Mr. McCormack walked away from the care facility on foot in an unknown direction,” said Parker.

When deputies were unable to locate McCormack on the property of the care facility, they requested assistance from additional deputies and Sheriff’s volunteers as well as citizens on horseback. The Department’s aviation unit and a Sheriff’s bloodhound also assisted with the extensive, hours-long search.

Despite their combined efforts, officials and volunteers were unable to locate McCormack.

Officials described McCormack as a white male, who stands 5’ 8” and weighs 170 pounds. He has brown and grey hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a grey polo shirt, khaki shorts and tennis shoes. Additionally, McCormack walks with a cane.

The missing man’s description was provided to all surrounding law enforcement agencies and local hospitals and because of McCormack’s age and medical condition a Silver Alert has been issued.

The investigation is active and ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or who knows McCormack’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Deputy Rosales at (951) 270-5673 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776-1099. Callers can refer to incident file number G173210031 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.

 

Contact the writer: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery, who recently moved from Riverside County to Shasta County, runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes for Riverside County based newspapers Valley News, The Valley Chronicle and Anza Valley Outlook as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County.

Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident.

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations, including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center and Lake Elsinore Station, along with other locations.