The search for missing actor Julian Sands is set for its third week, with authorities using new technology that can detect electronic devices and credit cards in their desperate search.
The Sheriff's Department in San Bernardino says it is "hopeful" the technology will be able to more accurately pinpoint an area on which to focus efforts, which have been limited to air searches of late.
Searching on higher ground are said to still not be possible because of the poor conditions in the Mount Baldy area the star went missing in.
The actor was first reported missing in the Baldy Bowl area of the San Gabriel mountains in southern California on January 13 and the sheriff's department issued a statement on Twitter on Wednesday.
It said: "The search for Julian Sands continues by air only. The California Highway Patrol – Valley Division Air Ops from Auburn, California, is currently assisting us in the search using a Recco device.
"Recco technology can detect Recco reflective material, electronics, and in some cases, credit cards."
It continued: "We are hopeful our @chp_hq partners, Officers Hertzell & Calcutt, can pinpoint an area where we can focus our search efforts, and we thank them for their assistance."
So far, infrared devices have also been used by authorities, but they've unfortunately had no effect.
The force previously said on Tuesday that there had been a number of ground and air searches already carried out in lower areas, but there is yet to be any evidence of the actor’s location.
However, a search for a second hiker missing in the same area had brought good news after he was found alive.
A spokesperson for the department confirmed to the PA news agency that although the searches had provided an opportunity for secondary sweeps, the actor's location was still not available.
In another online statement on Tuesday, the department said: "The Sheriff’s Department is closing in on the second full week of the search for missing hiker, Julian Sands.
"Numerous ground and air search efforts have taken place. As of this time, Mr. Sands has not been found and no evidence of his current location has been discovered.
"The search will continue, weather and ground conditions permitting."
It added that the department still advises hikers to avoid hazardous mountainous areas at this time regardless of any precautions they may take.
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