Crime & Safety

Authorities Comb Verdugo Mountains for Missing FBI Agent

Burbank Police, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department personnel and FBI agents are searching the Verdugo Mountains on foot Friday, the week anniversary of Stephen Ivens' disappearance.

Authorities from throughout Los Angeles County are searching the Verdugo Mountains above Montrose-La Crescenta for , as his wife updated the Facebook page dedicated to his safe return.

Titled "Thea's Thoughts,'' Thea Ivens wrote:

Today is not a good day. Today is a week-versary of Steve’s disappearance. My little munchkin & I are not happy campers right now. Last night, I heard the word “trauma.” I know that word but somehow, I haven’t associated myself to that word until I heard it & thought. “Oh, that was what happened to me & our family.”

At church this morning, I can’t help the flowing of tears. These past couple of days, I felt empty, exhausted & I thought I’d cried everything out already. I’m surprised that I still have more of it. I was thinking - if this was the worst day of my life, then tomorrow should be a better day. 

This morning, I was praying that all the prayers in the world will envelop him with love & safety that will lead him back to home. 

I’m still keeping the faith that we will find him.

The Disappearance

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Stephen Ivens, 35, was last seen by his family on the evening of May 10, and was reported missing from his Burbank home on Friday, just after 7 a.m. He is a special agent with the FBI's Los Angeles division. Ivens may have entered into the Verdugo mountains area above Montrose-La Crescenta on foot, and was described as despondent and suicidal by authorities.

A handgun is missing from Ivens’ home. Officials are concerned about Ivens’ well-being, but say there’s no indication that he has been involved in criminal activity. The Verdugo Mountains are known to be extremely rugged. Sierra Madre Search and Rescue, along with Montrose Search and Rescue and Sheriff’s personnel from Altadena and Santa Clarita, reserve deputies, volunteer rescuers, Special Enforcement Bureau, Emergency Services Detail, paramedics, bloodhounds and a helicopter crew have aided in the search since it began.

Find out what's happening in Montrose-La Crescentawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Searching for Leads

Burbank Police announced Friday that they're back out in the Verdugo Mountains and surrounding areas looking for any leads on Ivens. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is asked to contact the Burbank Police Department at 818-238-3000 or the FBI Tipline at 310-477-6565. 

Ivens is described as white, six feet tall, 160 lbs. with brown eyes and brown hair. He wears prescription glasses.


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