Family members of a retired firefighter missing from Simi Valley for more than a week were called to Thousand Oaks after a possible sighting Saturday afternoon.
Several area residents reported seeing 63-year-old Steve G. Voegtli, who went missing from his home near Madera Road in the Wood Ranch area of Simi Valley at about 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Voegtli suffers from dementia, and was seen leaving the Simi Hills Independent Retirement Living center, where had recently moved, without his wallet or phone, family members said.
Friends and family spread out to search in five locations Saturday, including around the Long Canyon Trail Head at the corner of South Woodranch and Long Canyon roads in Simi Valley, according to family.
The man's son, Chris Voegtli, said the family was feeling panic. "We just want to bring him home safe," Chris Voegtli, said.
Voegtli, referred to by friends as "The Dude," is an avid walker who hikes in the Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Agoura and Malibu areas, police said. He has no car, phone or identification with him.
Officials said the circumstances surrounding disappearance are suspicious, but have not yet given details for the reason.
Voegtli is 6 feet tall, weighs 180 pounds and has brown short hair. Police say he has a history of memory problems and may appear disoriented.
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If you have information about Voegtli location, please contact SVPD Detective Swanson at (805) 583-6969, or the Simi Valley Police Department at (805)-583-6950.
