Crime & Safety
Lakewood Couple Missing After Joshua Tree Visit
Public asked for help in any clues that might lead to their whereabouts.
Authorities sought the public's help in finding a couple reported missing after heading out for a visit to Joshua Tree National Park.
Helen Melnyk of Lakewood and Tony Nosow of Landers were reported missing by family members Sunday night. They had planned to drive back-country roads in the park on Saturday, park spokesman Joe Zarki said.
"Interviews with park staff led rangers to believe that a vehicle with a driver matching Mr. Nosow's description entered the park about mid-morning on Saturday," Zarki said. The Los Angeles Times posted photos of both missing people.
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Rangers and California Highway Patrol aircraft crew were unable to find the couple or the truck. A missing-persons report was filed with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in Lakewood, Zarki said.
"It is uncertain if Melnyk or Nosow remain in the park or left the park before they were reported overdue," Zarki said.
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Melnyk, 56, has short brown hair, blue eyes, glasses and is 5-foot-1 and about 210 pounds. Nosow, 59, has long grayish-white hair and a beard, hazel or brown eyes, is 5-foot-9, about 230 pounds and walks with a cane. His truck is a dark blue or gray Chevrolet Silverado, license plate 32248B1.
Anyone with information was asked to call the Federal Interagency Communications Center at (909) 383-5651.