Police Seek Public's Help Finding Missing Man Who Needs Medicine

A man with multiple mental conditions, who needs medication, disappeared from his home, South Gate police said Sunday.

Joseph Hess, 43, was last seen by a caregiver after his medication was dispensed at 8:45 p.m. Saturday, from a home at 11343 Pennsylvania Avenue, said South Gate police Lt. Ignacio Patino.

"When the caregiver returned, the missing person was gone. The bedroom window was ajar and the screen was removed from the seal,'' Patino said.

Hess suffers from post-traumatic stress, moderate psychotic and explosive disorders and schizophrenia, mental retardation and is bi-polar, the lieutenant said.

He is dependent on his medication and needs it for morning and evening doses, Patino said.

Hess has gone missing in the past and returned home on his own, the lieutenant said. He frequents the 7-Eleven at 12100 Garfield Ave. in South Gate.

Hess is described as Hispanic, 5 feet 11 inches tall, 190 pounds, with short brown hair, brown eyes, last seen wearing a brown long-sleeve T-shirt, khaki pants and sneakers of unknown color.

Anyone who sees Hess is asked to call South Gate police at (323) 563- 5400 or any local law enforcement agency, Patino said.

– City News Service