In the end, this story had a happy ending.
Alber Marbena, a 74-year-old from Brampton who suffers from dementia, had been reported missing after he disappeared from his home in the Saintsbury Cres. and Egypt Dr., near Dixie and Sandalwood Pkwy. Thursday morning.
Marbena has been spotted in Etobicoke on two occasions since his disappearance: first in the Humberline Dr. and Finch Ave. West area of Etobicoke on Thursday at about 9:30 p.m., and again near Needham Dr and Fondy Crt, in the Kipling and Westhumber area Friday at 3:45 p.m.
Toronto Police had upped their search for the senior up to a maximum level three, which included ground and air search.
Late Saturday night, a good samaritan and family acquaintance,spotted Marbena on a TTC bus travelling on Finch Avenue West and called it into police.
According to Police, Marbena was found a bit hungry, but otherwise safe and sound.
"One of the citizens who had watched the news, was able to see him on the bus heading down Finch Avenue. He did know Mr. Marbena from a mall they used to hang out at. He stopped Mr. Marbena as was able to call police."
Marbena's son, Angelo Zia, told CP24 that his family was thankful for the response from the public and media in trying to track down his father.
"Thanks for everybody , thanks for the police GTA and you guys and family cousins and friends. Whoever got involved searching for my father, I really appreciate it. Thank you so much."
Zia added his father's dementia had caused Marbena to believe he had only been gone for a few hours and that the area he was found in was actually near a former residence where the family used to live 3 years ago.
with files from Jackie Rosen