Police Search for Critical Autistic Resident, Reported Missing

March 25, 2003

"Police Search for Critical Autistic Resident, Reported Missing"
UPDATE: Mr. Arellano has been located. He was admitted at Olive View Hospital on March 29, 2003 by Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Los Hills Sheriffs, when residents in their area reported Mr. Arellano attempting to enter several residents homes.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a Los Angeles resident considered to be an, "At Risk Missing Person."
The family of Jose Ernesto Arellano reported him missing on March 23, 2003. Arellano was last seen in his room getting ready for bed at his residence in the 5100 block of Westhaven Street. Arellano is autistic and has difficulty remembering his home address, phone number and other critical information that would enable him to safely return home. Arellano’s speech is shallow and hard to understand. Arellano may also give his last name as " Cruz", and carries no identification with him.
Arellano is described as a 21 year-old male Hispanic, 5’ 10", 135 lbs., brown hair, and brown eyes. He has a goatee and also has a mole on his right cheek. He is believed to be wearing a white T-shirt, blue levis pants and brown work boots.
Anyone with information regarding the location of Jose Arellano is asked to call the Los Angeles Police Department, Missing Persons Unit at 213-485-5381. On weekends and during off-hours, Please call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

A recent photograph of Arellano is available through the Los Angeles Police Department Media Relations Office.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Grace Brady, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.