Search Scaled Back For Missing Temecula Man

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Sheriff's detectives are continuing to work on the case of a Temecula man who went missing in North County San Diego, but it was announced that the search has been scaled back.

Steve Mesa Turrey, 55, was last seen walking away from the All Seasons RV Park at 30012 Highway 395 in Escondido around 11 p.m. Tuesday, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Turrey's daughter-in-law Rochelle Checkos said the Temecula man was working in Rancho Bernardo and staying at the park. He was reported missing Wednesday.

Turrey has medical and mental conditions that require prescription medications, the sheriff's department reported.

On Friday, the department said the search for Turrey was being scaled back after teams turned up nothing for two days. Sixty-six sheriff's Search and Rescue Division volunteers and SAR K-9 handlers searched the campgrounds, while reserve deputy divers searched a nearby lake. A sheriff's helicopter and a drone were also used during the two-day search, according to the department.

More than 100 people within the search area were questioned about whether they had seen Turrey, and detectives investigated and followed up on leads that were provided by the public, the department said.

Flyers were also distributed and partner agencies within the region were notified about the missing man.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department conducted a welfare check at Turrey's Temecula home, but he was not found, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said.

According to Checkos, who also lives in Temecula, Turrey's cell phone was dead and he did not have a wallet on him or a vehicle.

Turrey is described as Hispanic, approximately 6-feet tall, weighing about 180 pounds with a shaved head and face. He has a scar on the back of his neck and was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, blue jeans, black boots, a plaid sweatshirt and a green beanie.

The case remains open with a limited search ongoing, according to the sheriff's department. Anyone with information on Turrey's whereabouts can call the San Diego County Sheriff's Department at 858-565-5200.