The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed that 74-year-old Jose Luis Gomez Hinojosa, also known as "Chaparro," has been safely located after being reported missing in Valinda. According to an alert initially released by the Sheriff's Information Bureau, Hinojosa had last been seen on December 22 around 8:00 p.m. on the 900 block of Sandy Hook Avenue. Appreciation was extended to the public, media, and law enforcement for their efforts in the search, as reported on the official LASD Nixle alert page.
In the days leading up to his recovery, the Sheriff's Department had earnestly sought to drum up public support to aid their search. Hinojosa, a frail senior with a forgetful nature, had been considered at-risk, which had prompted his family and law enforcement alike to become deeply concerned for his safety. Described as standing five feet tall and weighing 150 pounds with black and gray hair and brown eyes, his usual haunts were said to include Baldwin Park, according to the LASD release.
Authorities encouraged anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to reach out directly to the Missing Persons Unit or anonymously contact "Crime Stoppers," as cited in an article from Hoodline.
The circumstances of Hinojosa's disappearance and subsequent discovery were not disclosed in detail.
