The community of Santa Rosa breathed a collective sigh of relief as the Santa Rosa Police Department announced the safe return of 54-year-old John Lee Henning, who was reported missing just a day earlier. According to a social media post by the Santa Rosa Police, "John Henning was located. He is safe and has returned to his home," signaling an end to the search that engaged public attention and resources.

Henning's disappearance initially triggered widespread worry after he failed to return from his regular bike ride to Cypress Hill Cemetery in Petaluma. The sense of urgency to quickly locate him was heightened due to his developmental disability and the necessity for medications associated with various health conditions. Henning was last seen departing his residence in southwest Santa Rosa on a white mountain bike and was reported to have intentions of traveling along Petaluma Hill Rd. or Stony Point Rd., routes he commonly used between Santa Rosa and Petaluma, Hoodline reported.

When he went missing, Henning was wearing a distinct ensemble: black pants, a red zip-up jacket, white shoes embellished with red and blue laces, and a black Warriors baseball cap. Standing 5'6" tall and weighing around 150 pounds, he was described with features that members of the public could readily identify.