Missing Indian Wells Man Found While Driving Eastbound On I-10

INDIAN WELLS, CA — An at-risk 81-year-old man who drove away from his Indian Wells residence Monday and didn't return for several hours was found the following day, authorities said Wednesday.

Howard Groff left his residence, without his wallet and cell phone, at around 9:15 a.m. Monday, according to Sgt. Daniel Milbrandt of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Milbrandt said deputies responded to the residence in the 51000 block of Desert Arroyo Trail at around 1 p.m. that day to the report of him missing.

"The California Highway Patrol was immediately notified and activated a Silver Alert based on the circumstances of Groff's disappearance," Milbrandt said in a statement. "The Palm Desert Investigations Bureau assumed the investigation and disseminated Groff's information to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies."

CHP officials said Groff was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, black pants, black shoes, and was believed o be driving a white 2008 GMC Yukon.

His vehicle was subsequently seen driving eastbound on Interstate 10 near Dillon Road in Coachella at around 1 p.m. Tuesday, according to Milbrandt. He was found on the shoulder of the freeway near Willey's Well Road, west of Blythe.

He was then taken to a local CHP Station in good health before being reunited with his family, Milbrandt said.