Missing Area Man Found Safe

A 53-year-old San Gabriel man who suffers from dementia was found safe this afternoon in a park in Rosemead after being missing for about a day and a half, a sheriff's lieutenant said.

Jose Mendoza, who went missing around 9 a.m. Tuesday from his home in north San Gabriel, was spotted about 2 this afternoon in Rosemead Park, between Mission Drive and Encinita Avenue, said Lt. Ismael Chavez, watch commander at the sheriff's Temple Station.

"One of our deputies was driving by the park and saw Mr. Mendoza sitting on a park bench," Chavez said. "The deputy thought the man looked familiar, recognizing him from our circular. So he stopped to verify his identity and called it in."

Chavez said Mendoza was in good health.

"We notified his family and one of his relatives came to the park and picked him up," Chavez said. "He was in good shape and we're just glad we found him safe."