This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Unified Police say an elderly Alzheimer's patient who went missing from his Millcreek home overnight was found walking in downtown Thursday morning.
UPD Lt. Justin Hoyal said 75-year-old Joseph "Jerry" Olpin, who also suffers from diabetes, was found near 500 South and Main Street after a citizen, recognizing a photo broadcast earlier, called 911.
"He seemed happy and was in good condition," Hoyal said.
It was uncertain how Olpin covered the nearly 10 miles between his home and downtown Salt Lake City, but Hoyal said he may have walked the entire distance.
"He was checked out and returned back home to his family," Hoyal said.
Olpin had been considered an endangered person due to his ailments and the cold and wet weather conditions prevalent at the time of his disappearance.
Olpin was last seen doing garden work about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at 3552 S. Monte Verde Drive. However, he was gone when his wife went out to check on him again about 8 p.m.
Hoyal said Olpin had a cell phone with him, but had not answered it. Police searched the neighborhood where Olpin lives Wednesday night, but were unable to locate the man.
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