Missing Sonoma County couple found safe in Paso Robles

Katie Marzullo Image
ByKatie Marzullo KGO logo
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Missing Sonoma County couple found safe in Paso Robles
The Rohnert Park elderly couple missing since Saturday has been found safe in Paso Robles, according to authorities.

ROHNERT PARK, Calif. (KGO) -- The Rohnert Park elderly couple reported missing since Saturday has been found safe in Paso Robles, according to authorities.

Rohnert Park police said an ABC7 News viewer who was traveling saw Monday's story and happened to see Sam and Maria Walko in Paso Robles.

The couple was last seen on Saturday, but police Tuesday revealed they were spotted on surveillance camera Monday.

Rohnert Park police had flagged the bank account of Sam and Maria Walko, ages 85 and 90 and it paid off.

VIDEO: Authorities search for at-risk elderly couple missing from Rohnert Park

Monday afternoon, the couple withdrew a large amount of money from a bank in Healdsburg, but it didn't solve the mystery.

Maria Walko told the teller that she was going to a doctor's appointment. The hospital said she didn't have an appointment and she never showed up.

The couple was last seen at home Saturday around 4 a.m. when Sam Walko called 911, worried that Maria Walko needed help. Turns out she didn't, but Sam Walko told authorities he'd take her to the hospital later. Police say they never turned up at the hospital. Their son, who lives in Hungary, reported them missing on Sunday.

Their son told police he thought his parents were headed to Canada and he was worried they could be disoriented.

In the end, it turned out the couple was taking a vacation and didn't tell anyone. The couple is talking to police and will also speak with their son.