This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A mentally challenged Riverton man who was last seen in the company of an unknown male adult in a car leaving a local business Tuesday night has been found alive and well in West Wendover, Nev.
Unified Police Department Lt. Justin Hoyal did not immediately have further details on how the man was found, other than to say he was located by West Wendover police officers about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday inside the Peppermill Casino.
Earlier, Hoyal said Samuel Polisano, a 57-year-old autistic man who functions at the cognitive level of an 11-year-old — had left his home near 1300 West and 12800 South about 4 p.m. Tuesday to walk to the Riverton Library. He was reported missing shortly after 10 p.m. when he failed to return home.
Hoyal said detectives learned that Polisano used his debit card at the Sapp Brothers store, near 1300 South and Interstate 215, about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. He was seen leaving the store with a man described as a Latino or American Indian in his late-40s or 50s, with a full beard and wearing a white button up shirt and blue jeans.
Polisano had met the man for the first time at the library, and they decided to go to Wendover, according to UPD. Polisano and the man reportedly drove away westbound in a green, four-door sub-compact car.
Hoyal said the man was found in the casino with Polisano and was being questioned by detectives.
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