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A father of five who has been missing for several days was last seen purchasing a number of camping supplies at a Rancho Cucamonga Wal-Mart after a convoluted series of events.Oliver Pareece Jones, 37, has been missing since April 5, KTLA reports. The divorced father of five, who owns a pecan business in Mexico, was visiting Los Angeles because he was considering moving from his home in Colorado to Southern California, but his visit soon took an unfortunate turn. He was attacked and mugged while outside The Plaza Club at 739 N La Brea Ave. in West Hollywood on Friday, April 3, during which he suffered a concussion. Jones went to the nearby Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, however, he checked himself out before finishing treatment.
Jones then left L.A. with his cousin for Las Vegas on Saturday, April 4, The Daily Bulletin reports. The pair decided to stop off in Rancho Cucamonga for a meal at a restaurant called Claim Jumper, but got into an argument. Jones left alone and checked into the Four Points Sheraton Hotel. At about 6:30 a.m. the following morning, security footage shows him checking out of the hotel. Jones then withdrew $800 in cash and called a taxi to take him to the Wal-Mart at 12549 Foothill Blvd. Surveillance footage here shows Jones buying $350 worth of clothes, provisions and camping supplies. He then withdrew another $100, and that's the last anyone's seen of him.
A private detective hired by Jones' family later found camping supplies abandoned behind the Wal-Mart and believes they may have been the supplies Jones purchased. A homeless man said that he spoke with Jones outside the store. The man has been interviewed by police, who are not considering him a suspect.
Police are attempting to put a ping on Jones' phone. However, some reports indicate Jones' phone may have been stolen while he was in Los Angeles. Police are also planning to interview Jones' cousin.
Jones' family has put up flyers in the nearby area, and they also searched a vineyard in the area with deputies, but did not find anything.
Jones is a white male, 37 years old, 5'8" and 170 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with information should call 909-477-2800.
