Father, Son Reported Missing While Hiking In Ventura County Safely Located

SIMI VALLEY (CBSLA.com) — A man and his son who were reported missing while hiking in Ventura County have been safely located, officials said Sunday.

According to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, Patrick Gardner, 36, and his son Matthew, 5, were reported missing while in the area of Sycamore Canyon on Saturday.

Detectives said the pair were scouting a trail for an upcoming Cub Scout event at Sycamore Park. It remains unclear if they are familiar with the area.

Gardner's vehicle, a blue Toyota Corolla, was located in the day-use area of the park.

Deputies do not believe Patrick and Matthew were planning to stay the night.

Detectives described Patrick as a Caucasian man who stands 5-foot-11 tall and weighs 175 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue polo shirt with khaki shorts. Patrick may be carrying a purple reusable Camelback water bottle.

Matthew was last seen wearing a red shirt with dark colored shorts. He may be carrying a stainless steel water bottle.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Matthew and Patrick Gardner has been urged to contact the Ventura County Sheriff's Office at (805) 654-9511.