Hamilton Police seek public’s assistance in locating missing 70 yr. old man

On Thursday, June 11th, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Zlatko PODREBARAC was reported as missing to the Hamilton Police Service. Mr. Podrebarac walked away from his residence located in the Nash Road/Queenston Road area at approximately 5:30 p.m. He suffers from a medical condition and may become disoriented.

Family have indicated to police that this has happened in the past and he is usually located walking within the neighbourhood.

Zlatko Podrebarac is described as male, white, 70 yrs., 5’6”, 180 lbs, white hair, green eyes, wearing a grey/blue jacket, black pants, tan shoes and a grey sweater with red stripes. He is slightly hunched over and shuffles when he walks.
(photo attached)

Hamilton Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Hamilton Police Service, Division Two Patrol at 905-546-2929.

UPDATE……………………..June 12th, 2009

Hamilton Police have learned that Mr. Podrebarac was driven to the area of Barton St. E. and Sherman Ave. at approximately 5:30 p.m. on June 11th. A Search Manager has been contacted and Hamilton Police will be focusing their search to the Barton St. and Sherman Ave. area. Hamilton Police are asking residents in the Barton /Sherman neighbourhood to check their backyards, sheds, outbuildings and any other places on their property where someone could take shelter. Hamilton Police believe Mr. Podrebarac may have wandered into a rear yard looking for shelter.
Hamilton Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Hamilton Police Service, Division Two Patrol at 905-546-2929.

residents in the Barton /Sherman neighbourhood to check their backyards, sheds, outbuildings and any other places on their property where someone could take shelter. Hamilton Police believe Mr. Podrebarac may have wandered into a rear yard looking for shelter.
Hamilton Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Hamilton Police Service, Division Two Patrol at 905-546-2929.

UPDATE…………………………..June 12th, 2009

As a result of the information disseminated through the media, witnesses have contacted police and have learned of the movement of Mr. Podrebarac.

Hamilton Police now know that Mr. Podrebarac, also known as “Joe”, was found walking in the area around the Centre Mall (Barton St. /Ottawa St.) at about 6:30 p.m. on June 11th. A witness indicated Joe seemed disoriented and he had some dry blood around his mouth. Joe was taken to a local restaurant where he was assisted with cleaning his face. The witness then, at the request of Joe, drove him back to the area of Sherman Ave. n. near Imperial St. He has not been seen since.

Hamilton Police have set up a command post in the area of Barton St. E. and Ruth St. and they are coordinating the ground search from this area. Officers from all three patrol divisions, marine, canine, division safety, school liaison and emergency response will be assisting with the search. The search will be concentrated between the area of Gage Ave. N. to Sherman Ave. N. and King St. E. to Burlington St.

In addition to a medical condition that causes Joe to become disoriented, Hamilton Police are now concerned that the dry blood on his face may be as a result of a fall and there is a concern that he may have suffered a head injury.

Hamilton Police are asking residents in the search area to assist with the search by checking in their garages, sheds, outbuildings or any area where someone can seek shelter.

The command post will remain in this area and witnesses are asked to go to the command post to speak with investigators or to call Hamilton Police at 905-546-4925 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips (8477) with any information.

Media Inquiries:
Superintendent Bill Stewart
Hamilton Police Service
Division One Patrol
905-546-4925