Missing Man Found, Reunited With Family In OC

IRVINE, CA — Irvine resident Tun Yang Ching was missing in the early part of the week, and his family feared the worst. However, when Orange County Sheriff's Department, Anaheim Police Department, Irvine Police Department and the Orange County Fire Authority worked together, he was located over 24-hours later.

The 80-year-old Irvine resident was reported missing on Sunday, last seen outside of the 99 Ranch Market on Culver Drive, according to the Irvine Police Department. Officers from multiple agencies assisted in getting the word out.

Officers used social media to alert the public and call for assistance in locating Ching. It was not until the early hours of Tuesday morning that he was discovered at the bottom of a rock channel several blocks away from where he was last seen.

It is unclear how he ended up there as of this report, or the depth of his injuries that were sustained.

"He is recovering, and has been returned to his family," Kim Mohr of the Irvine Police Department said.

Irvine Police ask all to join the innovative Return Home Registry to aid officers in finding lost or wandering people when they go missing from their home or caregivers.

"Because these can be critical times the program assists in getting vital information to law enforcement personnel, to assist in locating loved ones sooner," the Irvine Police Department said on the program website. The program is free, and is helpful in IDing persons who suffer from Alzheimer's, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome or other illnesses or special needs.

"This program does not guarantee the safe return of your loved ones, but it will provide officers with an additional tool to locate and return your loved one," they said.

For more information call 949-724-7193 to schedule an appointment or click here to begin the registration process.

Irvine Police Department