Police Search for Woman with Dementia, Missing Since Oct. 29 in La Mesa

Authorities asked the public Thursday for help finding an elderly woman who went missing more than a week ago in East County.

The last known confirmed whereabouts of Vivian Crowder, 71, who has been diagnosed with dementia, was outside a salon in La Mesa late on the morning of Oct. 29, according to La Mesa police.

At the time, she was wearing black stretch pants with rhinestones, a blue-and-brown floral shirt, denim jacket, turquoise shoes and a beige head wrap.

Police have received reports of subsequent sightings of Crowder on Lemon Grove Avenue and Clairemont Mesa Boulevard but have not been able to confirm them.

Because authorities believe Crowder might be confused or startled by contact with a stranger, anyone spotting a woman matching her description is asked to call 911 and observe her from a distance while awaiting the arrival of police.

La Mesa police also have a tip line, (619) 667-7537, for the public to offer any information linked to the woman’s whereabouts.