UPDATE: 9:55 p.m.: Joining the Montrose Search and Rescue teams in the effort to find missing FBI agent Stephen Ivens are Sheriff's personnel from Altadena, Santa Clarita, Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Teams, as well as reserve deputies, volunteer rescuers, Special Enforcement Bureau, Emergency Services Detail, paramedics, bloodhounds and a helicopter crew.
PREVIOUSLY: BURBANK (CNS) - The FBI announced Saturday that a 35-year-old suicidal man -- the subject of a search in the rugged Verdugo Mountains area -- is an FBI agent who may be despondent and suicidal.
FBI Special Agent Stephen Ivens was reported missing at 7:19 a.m. Friday, May 12 from his home in the 1700 block of Scott Road. Police did not originally identify Ivens by name or disclose that he is an FBI agent. His family last saw him the previous evening.
A preliminary investigation indicated the man is despondent and possibly suicidal, police said. Investigators believe he left on foot and may be in the area of the Verdugo Mountains, the rugged range east of Burbank and south of La Canada-Flintridge..
Police said a handgun is missing from Ivens' home, and officials are concerned for his well-being. An active search of the hillside area was underway. There is no indication that Ivens has been involved in any criminal activity.
Member of the Montrose Search and Rescue Team from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Crescenta Valley Station have been searching the terrain since Saturday morning, according to Sergeant Debra Herman.
The missing man is white, 6 feet tall, weighs 160 pounds and has brown eyes, receding brown hair and wearing prescription glasses.
Police urged anyone with information regarding the missing man's whereabouts to contact the Burbank Police Department at (818) 238-3000.
