71-Year-Old Missing Man Found Safe And Sound

RIVERSIDE COUNTY (CBSLA.com) — Police say a 71-year-old man who was reported missing in Palm Desert has been found safe and sound.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Gerald Fitzsimmons had last been seen driving his black 2015 Dodge Caravan Minivan from Oakland to visit his brother in Palm Desert around 8:00 a.m. Wednesday.

Deputies explained Fitzsimmons became lost on the way, and was only able to provide limited location information to his brother before his cell phone lost power and disconnected.

He reportedly suffers from the early stages of dementia, which led deputies to place his safety at risk.

According to authorities, his last known location is believed to be in the area of Varner Road near Monterey Avenue.

Fitzsimmons told relatives that after he got lost in the Coachella Valley and losing phone service he decided to return to his San Ramon home.