Leisure World Woman, 93, Found Wandering in Tijuana

SEAL BEACH, CA - A 93-year-old woman who was headed to Long Beach Airport to pick up her son but somehow ended up in Tijuana, Mexico, was safely returned to her family today.

The search for Shirley Reimers began at 8:18 a.m., according to Seal Beach police Sgt. Michael Henderson.

Officers were dispatched to a Leisure World residence, where Reimers' son hadn't heard from his mother in more than 12 hours. Upon arrival, officers and investigators learned the son was supposed to be picked up by Reimers at Long Beach Airport at 8 p.m. Tuesday, but she never arrived, Henderson said.

After walking to her home in Leisure World and searching for her throughout the night without success, the son contacted Seal Beach police. While officers and investigators were on scene, a good Samaritan from Tijuana, Mexico called the Leisure World residence, according to Henderson.

The good Samaritan said she spoke with a distraught woman, who stated her name was Shirley Reimers, walking on the side of a road in Tijuana, at 9 a.m.

Due to Reimers' appearance, the good Samaritan brought her to her home for safety. Investigators were then able to use the Seal Beach Police Department's Facebook video/messenger application to have visual contact with the good Samaritan and Reimers, Henderson said.

Tijuana Police Department officers responded to the residence where Reimers was staying. They then drove Reimers to the United States/Mexico Border to meet with the United States Customs and Border Protection.

Reimers was then taken by the California Highway Patrol to its San Diego Office, where Seal Beach Police Department investigators were waiting for her arrival, according to Henderson.

Reimers was then reunited with her family in Leisure World and was resting at home tonight, Henderson said.

City News Service