An 82-year-old man was last seen at Plaza Bonita in National City on Friday evening, and Search and Rescue was called to assist. Esteban Espinoza was last seen around 5:20 pm near 3030 Plaza Bonita Road.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Office shared the alert early Saturday, saying Espinoza was last seen at the Plaza Bonita shopping center and asking the public to call 911 immediately if he is spotted. According to San Diego Sheriff
, Search and Rescue was called to assist.
A missing-person bulletin issued by the Sheriff's Office the same day fills in more detail about Espinoza's description and circumstances. He is described as a Hispanic man standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, with gray hair on the sides, a balding top, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue and gray jacket, light blue jeans, black shoes, and black reading glasses.
Why Deputies Are Treating the Search as Urgent
The bulletin notes that Espinoza has a short memory but has not been given a specific diagnosis. That concern, combined with his age, has deputies urging anyone who encounters him to act quickly rather than wait to report a sighting.
California’s Silver Alert program became law in 2012, but an older person’s disappearance does not automatically trigger one. Law enforcement must also determine that local resources have been used, the disappearance is unexplained or suspicious, the person may be in danger, and publicizing available information could help bring them home. Espinoza’s age meets one part of the criteria; the bulletin’s mention of short-term memory alone does not establish that all criteria are met.
Anyone who has seen Espinoza is asked to call 911 immediately.
How the Public Can Help
The Sheriff's Office social media post also tagged the National City Police Department.
California’s missing-person alert system includes six types of alerts, including Silver Alerts and Endangered Missing Advisories. The California Highway Patrol coordinates state alerts; the investigating agency contacts CHP, and the incident is reviewed against the relevant criteria. For anyone reporting a possible sighting, CHP advises calling 911 and giving the person’s location and description; vehicle details can also help if a vehicle is involved.
Anyone who believes they have spotted Espinoza is asked to dial 911 right away so responding units can be directed to his location.
