Missing Person Melvin Gelfand NR11430rh

Update
10-4-11

Today, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the identity of the deceased driver from the Lake Hughes Road traffic accident in Castaic, is the reported missing person Melvin Gelfand.

Update
09-21-11

 
Gelfand was originally thought to have boarded a bus at 120th Street and Crenshaw Boulevard bound for Valley View Casino in San Diego on September 14, 2011, but there are no records of him boarding the bus or using his player’s card at the casino so it is doubtful that he made it there.  He also suffers from high blood pressure.  The family believes that it is out of character for him to leave anywhere without notifying them.  They are very concerned for his safety.

Los Angeles:  The family of Melvin Gelfand and the Los Angeles Police Department are asking for the public’s help in finding Gelfand.

On September 14, 2011, at about 8 a.m., Gelfand was last seen at his residence in the 2900 block of Tilden Avenue, in the Pacific Area of Los Angeles.  He has not been seen or heard from since and his family is extremely concerned for his welfare. Gelfand is diabetic and takes medication.

Gelfand was possibly driving a 2007 four door, gray Toyota Camry, Calif. License Number 5UPW238 or on a Luxury Line Bus headed toward Valley View Casino in Valley Center, Calif.

Gelfand is described as an 88-year-old male Caucasian with gray hair and brown eyes. He is 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs approximately 146 pounds and has balding hair.  He was last seen wearing black pants, a beige plaid shirt, a black Members Only jacket and a beige hat.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Gelfand is asked to contact LAPD Missing Persons Unit Detective Carlton at 213-996-1800. During non business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.