Search on for missing Alzheimer's patient in West Covina

Police were searching Friday for an Alzheimer’s patient who went missing from his sister’s West Covina home.

Eddy Mata, 78, disappeared some time before 7 a.m. Thursday from the house on the 1600 block of Rowland Avenue, near Azusa Avenue, in West Covina, said his son, Roy Mata.

Eddy Mata is described as Latino with a fair complexion, 5 feet 9, 150 pounds and bald. He is bilingual. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a gray sweatshirt and white and blue sneakers. He carries no identification but may have a medical alert bracelet with him.

Roy Mata said his father may have been trying to return to his home in West Los Angeles. Family members had brought him to stay with his sister two weeks ago while attempting to place him in a nursing home, because he had become increasingly disoriented and had begun to sleep outside, claiming people were inside his house.

Roy said Eddy Mata had also become a hoarder and would dig through other people’s trash. The family was planning to move him into a nursing home this weekend, but had not told Eddy, at the recommendation of staff at the home.

Family members and police searched the area where Eddy Mata disappeared without finding any sign of him.

West Covina police Sgt. Jerry Pearman said an alert has gone out to other area police departments, but there have been no reports of sightings.

Roy said he suspects his father may have gotten on a bus or hitched a ride in an attempt to get home. He may also have been trying to visit family members in Whittier or Cerritos.

Anyone who sees Eddy Mata can contact the West Covina Police Department at (626) 939-8500 or their local police department.

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-- Abby Sewell

Photo: Eddy Mata. Credit: Family photo

Comments

[Praying for you!]

Wow this man reminds me so much of my grandfather who passed about 3 years ago from the same illness - I pray you find him soon, god bless you and you're family!!! Its really hard on families that have to go through it especially in moments like these.

[William]

Good Luck,I hope he is found soon and that he is safe!

[Rob]

Eddy Mata is now home safe and sound!