Police breach home at nudist resort in search for missing couple

REDLANDS, Calif. – Redlands Police conducted a search operation on Thursday, Aug. 29, looking for a man who may be connected to a local couple who were reported missing Sunday.

Stephanie Menard, 73, and her husband, Daniel Menard, 79, were last seen at their residence in the 26000 block of Keissel Road around 10 a.m. on Aug. 24. The couple's small white Shih Tzu named Cuddles is also missing.

Redlands Police were following a tip that a person involved in the couple's disappearance was at Olive Dell Ranch nudist resort, Carl Baker, spokesperson for the city of Redlands, said during a press conference Thursday.

"We don't know where the subject is. He may still be inside or he may be somewhere else on the grounds," Baker explained. "We're certain that he has not been able to escape from the area. We were informed that he is inside the park, not necessarily inside his residence."

After several hours of failed attempts to contact the man inside his residence, police used a Tac Cat from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department to break into the man's home. Baker said police searched the home using remote video equipment. Aerial footage from KTLA shows the residence was destroyed during the raid by law enforcement.

The suspect home is right next door to the Menard's. His name and age were not immediately available.

As of Thursday evening, the couple and their dog remain missing. Baker told reporters that foul play is a possibility.

Authorities are particularly concerned for the couple's safety as Daniel Menard suffers from dementia and is diabetic.

The Menards' unlocked vehicle was found down the road from their home the same day they were last seen. Stephanie Menard's purse and both of their cell phones were located inside their home.

Detective Thomas Williams is leading the investigation. Anyone with information about the Menards' whereabouts is urged to contact the Redlands Police Department at (909) 798-7681 or Detective Williams directly at twilliams@redlandspolice.org.

Police are asking the public to reference case number 240032075 when providing any information related to the missing couple.