How to resolve AdBlock issue? CLEARLAKE, Calif. – An elderly Clearlake man reported missing early Tuesday morning was found safe following a search, but police are still looking for a handgun the man was reported to have had in his possession.
Clearlake Police Sgt. Tim Celli said Tuesday that police received a report shortly before 1 a.m. that 91-year-old Russell Eckels was missing from his residence in the 16000 block of 43rd Avenue.
Celli said Eckels' wife reported him missing, telling police that she had last seen him about 8:30 p.m. Monday when she went to bed.
When the woman awoke at about 12:40 a.m. Tuesday and discovered her husband wasn't there, she called the police, according to Celli's report.
Both the Eckels' vehicles were at the residence, but Celli said it was believed that Eckels was armed with a handgun that appeared to be missing from the home. There were no indications Eckels was suicidal, although he appears to be suffering from dementia.
Celli said “be on the lookout” messages were sent out to surrounding law enforcement agencies, and Clearlake Police and Lake County Sheriff's deputies checked the Avenues area throughout the night.
Eckels was later found in the 4100 block of Eureka Avenue, according to Celli. A Google map estimate puts the distance at about a mile from Eckels' home.
Celli said Eckels was transported to St. Helena Hospital Clearlake for treatment.
Police searched the area near Eckels' home as well as the vicinity of where he was located but found no sign of the handgun. Celli said it's still not clear if Eckels actually had a handgun in his possession.
Celli said the department reminded citizens to call the police department immediately at 707-994-8251 when weapons are located.
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