63-year-old hiker missing in Angeles National Forest

ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST (KABC) -- A search was underway Friday for a 63-year-old hiker who was reported missing in the Angeles National Forest.

Search and rescue crews were looking for John King of La Puente in the Chantry Flat hiking area. Law enforcement officials described King as an avid hiker who regularly hikes in the area.

King's wife reported him missing Thursday night. He was supposed to be home by 10:30 p.m. but never showed up, Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said.

King's SUV was found parked near the trail head.

"The weather is not a huge concern, but obviously the longer he is out here and if he is injured, then that concerns us greatly. He may need medical attention," said LASD Deputy Bill Harrington.

Harrington said in most cases, missing hikers are found in three to five hours.

More than a dozen workers on foot as well as a Los Angeles County fire helicopter were involved in the search.

"(You could be) feet off the trail and be in 15-foot bush and not be seen by helicopter or by a search group," Harrington said.

Around midday, new teams came in from Sierra Madre and Malibu to aid the search, and search dogs were also requested.

King's family was waiting near the hiking area where crews were searching for him. Harrington said King's family was very concerned, but also confident he would be found safely.

"They have faith that he's OK and they believe he's got the ability to survive this," Harrington explained.