Missing 14 year-old Epileptic – Update

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, December 11, 2000

"Missing 14 year-old Epileptic – Update"

Los Angeles – 14 year-old Jose Otanez is an epileptic and has the mental capacity of a nine or ten year old. He was last seen riding his bike in the area of 1425 Arapahoe Street on December 9, 2000 at approximately 4:00 p.m. Jose is a male, Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes. He is 5’1" and weighs 105-110. Jose only speaks Spanish. He was last seen wearing a black jacket with brown stripes, mustard colored pants and black shoes. Jose currently takes medication for his epilepsy twice a day, however he has not had his medication since yesterday, December 9th and his medical condition is deemed to be at-risk.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jose Otanez is urged to contact the Rampart Community Police Station at 213-485-4061.

A photo of Jose is available in the Media Relations Office at Parker Center, 150 North Los Angeles Street.

This press release was prepared by Officer Charlotte Broughton, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.

*** UPDATE ***

On December 10, 2000 at approximately 10:45 p.m. a nurse from Good Samaritan Hospital noticed Jose’s picture on the news and contacted police. The nurse advised that Jose was transported by paramedics to the Good Samaritan Hospital after having a seizure near a bus stop in the area near Pico Blvd / Hoover Street.

The Los Angeles Police Department would like to extend its appreciation to the media and the public for their assistance in locating Jose Otanez.

For Release 5:00 pm PST
December 11, 2000