Police Find Lost Woman in Sylmar Park

An 18-year-old mentally retarded woman who wandered away from her Sylmar home Thursday was found well but apparently disoriented Monday in a public park three miles from home.

Police said Michelle Allen, who reportedly has the comprehension of a second-grader and needs medication for depression, was sitting in El Cariso Regional Park in Sylmar when two Foothill Division officers found her about 2 p.m.

Police said they did not know how she managed during nearly five days of wandering, but that she was in good physical condition and good spirits.

After taking her for a check-up at a nearby hospital, police returned Allen to her parents about 4:15 p.m.

“She looks OK,” Mary Allen said. “She’s dirty. Her clothes are dirty, and her hair is dirty. She was very happy to be home.”

The Allens said their daughter walked away from home Thursday morning. They said they think she got lost trying to go to the house of the woman who takes care of her after they leave for work.

Mary Allen said her daughter would not have been able to call home for help.

Police conducted a door-to-door search of the neighborhood Friday but turned up nothing.

On Sunday, the fourth day of their daughter’s absence, the Allens offered a $5,000 reward for anyone who could help them find her.

Because police found the woman, the reward will not be collected.

“They’re welcome to it, believe me,” Mary Allen said.

However, a spokeswoman for the Police Department said officers cannot accept rewards for work done on duty.