LA MESA, Calif. — The search for a missing 71-year-old woman with dementia has entered its tenth day, as family members and law enforcement continue their desperate efforts to locate her.
Vivian Crowder was last seen on Tuesday morning in La Mesa Village, where surveillance cameras captured her walking past Act II resale store in the 8200 block of La Mesa Boulevard. According to police, Crowder had been waiting at ITAN during her caretaker's appointment when she wandered away.
Five minutes after the initial sighting, Crowder was spotted heading east on La Mesa Boulevard between Palm and Third Street. She was wearing a distinctive outfit: a beige head wrap, jean jacket, black stretch pants with rhinestones and turquoise shoes. She also has a mole above the left side of her lip.
"She still knows her name and birthday — she's still in that early stage, but it's deteriorating by the day," said her brother, Lonnel Crowder, explaining that his sister started showing signs of dementia about 18 months ago.
The family has mounted an extensive search, covering both La Mesa and the area around Crowder's senior living complex off Imperial Avenue in Southeast San Diego. "We've been out here every day," Lonnel said. "Anywhere we can think of that she would be."
Lieutenant Katy Lynch of the La Mesa Police Department reports there have been two additional possible sightings roughly a mile from Crowder's last known location on La Mesa Boulevard. Despite thorough searches of local hospitals, shelters, and encampments, no concrete leads have emerged.
"She's very ambulatory. She walks a lot, and she would potentially take the bus or trolley, but nothing's indicating she's done that," Lt. Lynch said. While the extended disappearance raises concerns, investigators have found no evidence of foul play.
Adding to the family's worry, Crowder left without her wallet or necessary medications and is unfamiliar with the La Mesa area. "Our family's devastated, really devastated," Lonnel said. "We just want her back home."
The family is leading a search in downtown San Diego on Saturday at 7 a.m. in front of the Albertson's at 14th and Market.
Anyone with information regarding Vivian Crowder's whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately. You can also call the tip line at 619-667-7537 or email lamesatip@cityoflamesa.us.