The California Highway Patrol has issued an urgent Silver Alert for a missing 73-year-old man identified as Andrew Trujillo, who disappeared in Hayward, Alameda County. According to the CHP's Twitter feed, Trujillo was last seen on January 20, at approximately 4:45 p.m. near Hampton Road and Western Boulevard. Officials are now turning to the public, asking anyone knowing his whereabouts to contact 911 immediately.
Trujillo is described as standing 5'5" tall, weighing around 100 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. Known to rely on a walker for mobility, he was said to have been wearing a black jacket and black camouflage pants at his disappearance. The alert, which is aimed primarily at Alameda and Contra Costa counties, was activated by the CHP on behalf of the Alameda County Sheriff's Office and is meant to rapidly disseminate information to help safely locate individuals who are to be at risk due to age, health, mental or physical disability.
The use of Silver Alerts, like the one issued for Mr. Trujillo, is part of a public notification system in the United States to broadcast information about missing persons, especially seniors with Alzheimer's Disease, dementia, or other mental disabilities, to aid in their return. This system operates much like the Amber Alert system but is specifically tailored to assist a different vulnerable population segment.
To find Trujillo, authorities have been thoroughly canvassing the area where he was last seen and reaching out to local residents and businesses that might have captured his movements on surveillance equipment. The CHP has also utilized its social media presence by sharing a post on X to broadcast Trujillo's description widely and garner the public's attention. The public plays a crucial role in these situations, which often prove to quickly turn around and successfully lead to a missing senior's location.
SILVER ALERT - Alameda and Contra Costa Counties
— CHP - Alerts (@CHPAlerts) January 21, 2024
Last seen: Hampton Road and Western Boulevard, Hayward@ACSOSheriffs
IF SEEN, CALL 9-1-1 pic.twitter.com/gTNmyoLu3l
Family and friends describe Trujillo as a beloved member of the community with a kind spirit, and they are urgently awaiting any information that may assist in his safe return. The CHP and local authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any sightings or information regarding Andrew Trujillo's whereabouts directly by calling 911.
