The Long Beach community breathed a collective sigh of relief yesterday after the safe return of Henry L. Folse, a 74-year-old at-risk man who had been reported missing from his home on Olive Street. The Long Beach Police Department confirmed in an update on May 5 that Folse was found unharmed and did not require medical attention after his brief disappearance.
Folse, who suffers from cognitive issues that leave him prone to disorientation, was last spotted in front of his residence on the morning of May 4. Authorities were concerned for his safety due to the medical condition that might leave him confused. In a statement obtained by Hoodline, the Long Beach Police Department described Folse as African American, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 168 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray/purple Lakers hat, a gray jacket, a blue shirt, and blue jeans—a wardrobe that reflects a hint of sports loyalty.
The Long Beach Police had issued an urgent appeal to the public for assistance in locating Folse. They stressed the importance of community involvement in the search for the senior, emphasizing that cases like this depend heavily on the vigilance of citizens. Officers worked tirelessly to locate the at-risk man, directing anyone with information to reach out to the LBPD Missing Persons Detail or the Police Dispatch.
Luckily, the efforts to find Folse culminated successfully. The LBPD did not release the specifics of how or where Folse was found, maintaining privacy regarding his condition. In light of his safe return, the department expressed thanks for the public's help. Despite the absence of distinct physical characteristics such as scars, marks, or tattoos, the appeal to the public proved effective in securing his wellbeing. The LBPD, in a report accessed through Hoodline, underscored the role of the community's watchful eyes in bringing closure to potentially troubling scenarios like the disappearance of Henry L. Folse.
The Long Beach Police Department offers a reminder to the public that anonymous tips can still be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" for any future incidences. LA Crime Stoppers allows individuals to report information without disclosure of their identity, via phone, a smartphone application, or their website, helping ensure the safety and security of the community and its members.
