A San Diego County Sheriff’s helicopter circled parts of Vista on Monday as deputies searched for a 33-year-old man considered at risk, authorities said. The man, identified as Michael L., is described as about 6-foot-1, with red, shoulder-length hair and a beard, and weighing roughly 180 pounds. Deputies said he was last seen wearing black Adidas sweatpants with a white stripe and white sandals with socks patterned with “Tootsie Rolls.” Anyone who sees him is asked to call 911 immediately.
According to Fox 5 San Diego, the Sheriff’s Office provided the description and said the helicopter search began late Monday. The station’s report identified the man as 33 years old and urged residents to report any sightings to emergency dispatch.
Aerial Search and ASTREA
Deputies called in ASTREA, the Sheriff’s aviation unit, to sweep neighborhoods from above. According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, ASTREA crews use a loudspeaker during missing-person searches and offer an AutoHelo text service: people can call or text “Hello” to (858) 866-HELO (4356) to receive helicopter messages when a broadcast is active.
How to Help
If you think you saw Michael L., call 911 immediately and give the location to dispatch. For non-emergency tips, the Sheriff’s Department non-emergency line is 858-565-5200 and the Vista Station can be reached at 760-940-4551.
Local aviation support has become a common tool in searches across San Diego County. The County of San Diego’s communications office reported that the aviation unit supports patrol, search-and-rescue and firefighting missions and averages thousands of missions annually. County News Center has detailed the county’s recent investments in new helicopters and ASTREA’s role.
