The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has successfully located Kapeneta Pulemagafa, the 63-year-old at-risk Samoan male who was reported missing last week. Pulemagafa, known for his tall stature, bald head, full beard, and the distinctive bird tattoo on his left arm, was last seen in Lakewood, drawing concerns for his well-being due to his dementia. The department expressed gratitude to the public and the media for their aid in the search, with special thanks to the dedicated deputies who worked the case.
According to a statement obtained by the community through an alert from Nixle, Pulemagafa had not been seen since January 23, 2024, on Woodruff Avenue, at the time he was wearing his red “49ERS” hat, yellow reflective vest, blue jeans, and gold/leather chain; his absence sparked immediate action from the department and prompted an outreach to residents to keep an eye out for the familiar figure in the community. His family openly shared their distress and were proactive in seeking assistance from friends, neighbors, and anyone who might have seen him.
The Sheriff’s Information Bureau relayed the update and thanked everyone involved, indicating the broad support from the community and the effectiveness of the multiple communication avenues available to them including mainstream media and social platforms.
