Endangered Missing Juvenile Sought

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, April 19, 2000

"Endangered Missing Juvenile Sought"

Van Nuys – On Sunday, April 16, 2000, at approximately 2:10 p.m., Jose Gonzales, an eleven year old male Hispanic, ran away from Van Nuys Hospital, a psychiatric facility located at 15220 Vanowen Street, Van Nuys, California. Gonzales was a patient at the facility and was suffering from depression.

Gonzalez has been a ward of the court since 1996, and has been in placement in several foster homes and placement facilities throughout Los Angeles County. He was most recently placed at the McLaren Hall Juvenile facility operated by the Department of Children and Family services, where he threatened to runaway and hurt himself. He was placed in Van Nuys hospital for psychiatric observation and was under the care of a staff psychiatrist when he ran away from the facility.

Officers of the Van Nuys Community Police Station have thoroughly searched the commercial and residential neighborhood surrounding the facility, but Gonzales has not been located. The police are asking for the assistance of the public in locating the juvenile, who is considered to be a danger to himself.

Gonzales is described as having very short black hair and brown eyes. He is 5’4" tall, and weighs approximately 100 pounds. Gonzales was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, Grey sweat pants, white socks and white shoes.

Anyone who sees Gonzales or has information regarding his whereabouts, is encouraged to contact the Van Nuys Detectives-Juvenile Section, at 818-756-8375, during weekday business hours, or the Van Nuys Watch Commander’s Office, at 818-756-8383, after business hours or on the weekend.

UPDATE

On Monday, April 17, 2000, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a citizen contacted the Van Nuys Community Police Station, and reported that she had observed Jose Gonzales in the 12700 block of Van Nuys Boulevard. Patrol officers responded to the area and located Gonzales. He has been transported to Van Nuys Community Police Station, and is currently being interviewed by the juvenile detectives. Jose Gonzales is in good condition.

Please direct all inquiries to the Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.

For Release 4:30 am PDT
April 19, 2000