Missing man with dementia found safe near Bend

12:11 PM UPDATE FROM OSP:

Oregon State Police have confirmed ANDRE ("ANDY") VALDEZ, age 68, from Sacramento, California who was reported missing this morning, August 14th, from the Cow Canyon Rest Area on Highway 97 in central Oregon has been found safe in the Bend area.

Preliminary information indicates a man matching his description was spotted near 3rd and Reed Market Road. Bend police and medical responders were on scene. OSP has a trooper enroute to assist.

Additional information provided by Bend Police Department indicates ANDRE ("ANDY") VALDEZ, age 68, from Sacramento, California was located this morning, August 14th, after a local business in the area of SE 3rd and SE Reed Market Road reported a man had shown up who appeared confused and in distress.  Bend police and fire personnel responded and based upon previous information provided to area police agencies they were able to confirm his identity.

VALDEZ was transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend for an examination.

VALDEZ was the subject of a search after he was reported missing this morning from the Cow Canyon Rest Area on Highway 97 in central Oregon.  He was last seen about 7:20 a.m. and had made a call to Wasco County 9-1-1 at about 7:30 a.m. to report his vehicle was stolen.  An OSP trooper responded to the rest area and contacted a friend whom VALDEZ was traveling with in a commercial motor vehicle.  VALDEZ, who was known to have dementia and diabetes, did not have his own vehicle.

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Police are asking for the public's help to find an elderly California man with dementia last seen Friday morning at the Cow Canyon Rest Area on Highway 97 near the Wasco / Jefferson county line.

ANDRE ("ANDY") VALDEZ, age 68, from Sacramento, Calif., reportedly made a call at about 7:30 a.m. Friday to Wasco County 9-1-1 from the Cow Canyon Rest Area reporting his vehicle was stolen.  An OSP trooper responded to the rest area and contacted a friend whom VALDEZ was accompanying in a commercial motor vehicle on a trip through Oregon.  The friend told OSP that VALDEZ was not driving a vehicle and he has dementia and diabetes that may require medical attention.

VALDEZ and his friend stopped at the rest area at 2:45 a.m. for a mandatory driving break.  At about 7:20 a.m., VALDEZ went by himself to the rest room and didn't return.  It is not known at this time if VALDEZ caught a ride from a passing motorist or if he walked away unnoticed from the rest area.

VALDEZ is described as a white male, 5'5" tall, weighs 180 lbs., and has white hair.  He was last seen wearing reddish brown pants, faded pink long sleeve shirt rolled up to his elbows, tennis shoes and a faded black felt rim hat.

A tracking dog is enroute from the Bend area and Wasco County Search and Rescue personnel as also enroute to coordinate the area search.

Anyone with information where Mr. VALDEZ is should call 9-1-1 or Oregon State Police Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888.