San Fernando Senior Disappears Without Leaving a Trace

Joe Duran's wife did not worry at first when she returned to their San Fernando home and her retired husband was not there last month.

Walking to convenience stores is something Duran would do in the spur of the moment, often spending time in the neighborhood of Hubbard and Truman streets.

A day later, Duran's wife and daughter reported him missing.

Now more than a month later, the 70-year-old Duran still has not returned home -- or shown up anywhere -- and San Fernando Police are requesting the public's help in locating him.

There is concern Duran has become incapacitated, and even if located, may not be able to identify himself. Duran suffers from alcohol dependency, said San Fernando police Det. Irwin Rosenberg.

"He is forgetful and may be subject to seizures," Rosenberg said.

Duran has wandered off previously, and survived a frightful episode a decade ago when he was struck by a truck, Rosenberg said.

Police have contacted hospitals and jails, and also the coroner's office, but there’s been no sign of Duran. Police issued a statewide "Silver Alert," but it has not generated any responses.

Out of leads, Rosenberg is hoping someone will recognize Duran's photo and call his office at 818-898-1267.

On Wednesday, when a high-profile hearing brought a herd of news media to the San Fernando Courthouse near the city's police station, Rosenberg walked over to press Duran’s missing person bulletin into reporters' hands with a request to spread the word.

Joe Flores Duran is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, 155 pounds with brown eyes and thinning gray hair. He was last seen wearing a navy blue jacket over a white t-shirt, with beige pants.

He was last seen about 2 p.m. on March 1 at his home on San Fernando's Second Street.

Complicating his situation even further, he did not a cellphone with him, and presumably has no money.

Anyone with information about Duran is asked to call 818-898-1267.