San Francisco breathed a collective sigh of relief as Kexiong Zhao, the elderly man with dementia who went missing on May 16, was found and safely returned to his family. The San Francisco Police Department expressed their gratitude on social media towards the Oakland Police and public for helping to locate Zhao.
MISSING PERSON LOCATED
— San Francisco Police (@SFPD) May 18, 2024
Kexiong Zhao has been located thanks to the assistance of @oaklandpoliceca. He has been reunited with his family. Thank you to those who assisted in spreading our alert. pic.twitter.com/9WcL4DcvnG
Zhao, 78, had vanished in the bustling streets of Chinatown and was considered at-risk due to his medical condition. Described as a Chinese male, 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 136 pounds, he was last seen wearing a dark grey jacket with khaki pants. The SFPD had encouraged the public to actively seek out Zhao to avoid letting the man go unaided.
This appeal was prompted by the recognition that Zhao, like many suffering from dementia, was vulnerable and in a perilous situation. He had been unable to remember his address or identity, which further escalated the urgency of the search efforts.
The police underscored the gravity of these situations, insisting that immediate action can sometimes make a crucial difference. They requested that anyone spotting Zhao immediately call 911. This collaboration between law enforcement and the community proved effective, leading to Zhao's safe return.
After an intense search involving the police and the residents of San Francisco, the story reached a happy conclusion. Zhao's well-being was secured, and fears were allayed as family and friends welcomed him home. The police department took to X to thank everyone involved, closing the case on what could have been a tragedy. For more information regarding Zhao's disappearance and subsequent rescue, visit the Hoodline website.
