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LOCAL : Officer Hunted in Moorpark Hills

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From Times Staff and Wire Service Reports

Authorities today were searching an undeveloped area of Moorpark for a veteran Los Angeles police officer who has been missing since Sunday night.

Sgt. Christopher Vasquez, 41, a 20-year veteran who works as an assistant watch commander at the North Hollywood station, apparently left his home in the 15100 block of Marquette Street after returning from his Sunday night work shift, Ventura County sheriff’s deputies said.

He was described as an avid runner who often exercised on the trails in the hilly undeveloped area behind his home.

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“We know he regularly walks and jogs on those trails,” said Ventura Sheriff’s Lt. Joel Oksner.

“It is speculated that he may have become injured or become lost in the hills,” said Los Angeles Officer Don Lawrence.

Though Vasquez was last seen leaving the North Hollywood station Sunday night, the search is centered in the area near his house because the missing officer’s car was found at the home and there was other evidence indicating he arrived home safely. Police said Vasquez was separated from his wife and daughter.

A search crew of about 50 people, including searchers on horseback and off-road motorcycles, were combing the area this morning. A helicopter was also being used. Officers from the North Hollywood Division were also dispatched to the scene to help look for Vasquez.

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