The family of a La Palma woman has turned to the public for help in locating a 58-year-old La Palma woman, expressing concern after not being in touch with her for the past two weeks.
According to authorities, Geetaben Patel, 58, was last seen around 2:15 p.m. on Sept. 2 near Santa Margarita Lane and Del Sol Circle in La Palma, according to the California Highway Patrol
Officials say a “Silver Alert” was first issued by CHP on Sept. 5 that listed Patel, who is diagnosed with schizophrenia, as standing 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a dark blue shirt with pink and purple pajama bottoms.
Patel’s son told KTLA that he and his family are worried because she is without her medication, and due to the high temperatures that recently scorched the area , there is a higher chance she could have fallen ill.
She left without her wallet, phone or anything that would aid in tracking her, he added.
La Palma Police Department Detective James Roche confirmed that they have received no leads or tips from anyone in the 12 days Patel has been missing. Surveillance footage from the area has turned up no sight of her either, Detective Roche said.
Family and friends of the beloved woman are gathering in La Palma on Saturday and forming a search party that will go door to door looking for her.
Anyone with information on Geetaben Patel’s whereabouts is urged to contact the La Palma Police Department.
Sgt. Roche said at press time Tuesday that an organized search over the weekend in La Palma turned up no new leads.
“We’re using every technology we have,” said Roche, “ but so far, she’s vanished without a trace.”
