Local : Retarded Woman Who Left Garden Grove Care Center Found Unharmed

A retarded woman who walked away Saturday from the facility where she lives has been found unharmed at a nearby motel, Garden Grove police said today.

Police had feared foul play when 24-year-old Kara McElravy failed to return Saturday night to Petits Amis, a care center for retarded adults on Wilson Street.

Police Investigator Mike Handfield said McElravy was in a motel lobby Saturday when she struck up a conversation with a young man checking in.

“He felt sorry for her and she said she was hungry, so he bought her dinner,” Handfield said. The man was aware that McElravy, who functions at the level of a 13-year-old, had problems, but did not know she had been reported missing.

“Fortunately she met this nice guy,” Handfield said. “She stayed in the room with him. He even took her to Knott’s Berry Farm.”

Acting on several citizen tips, police handed out flyers with McElravy’s photo. Employees at Coco’s Restaurant recognized the picture and called the police when the man returned to ask for change, Handfield said. The man led police to his motel room, where McElravy was watching television.