An 82-year-old Los Angeles man has been reported missing, prompting his family, friends and the Los Angeles Police Department to ask the public for help locating him.
Paul Cepero was last seen Thursday morning in the 1400 block of Hazelwood Avenue in Los Angeles. Authorities say he may be disoriented, increasing concerns about his ability to safely navigate the area or return home.
Family members are especially concerned because of Cepero's age and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Paul Cepero was last seen at approximately 7 a.m. on Aug. 6, 2026.
Cepero was reportedly in the 1400 block of Hazelwood Avenue when he was last seen. Since then, his family and friends have been trying to determine where he may have gone.
LAPD said Cepero might be disoriented and that his family is very concerned about his safety.
Police are asking anyone who may have seen Cepero or who has information about his whereabouts to contact investigators.
Cepero is described as a Hispanic male with gray hair and brown eyes. He is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 120 pounds.
Authorities said he was last seen wearing a blue baseball cap, a white shirt with two red undergarments, navy blue Dickies shorts and brown shoes.
Because clothing can be an important identifying detail in a missing-person investigation, police are asking members of the public to pay close attention to anyone matching Cepero's description.
KEY FACTS
Name: Paul Cepero
- Age: 82
- Last Seen: Aug. 6, 2026, around 7 a.m.
- Last Known Location: 1400 block of Hazelwood Avenue, Los Angeles
- Description: Hispanic male with gray hair and brown eyes
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 8 inches
- Weight: Approximately 120 pounds
- Clothing: Blue baseball cap, white shirt, navy blue Dickies shorts and brown shoes
- Concern: Police say Cepero might be disoriented
- Investigating Agency: Los Angeles Police Department
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
The information released by LAPD establishes Cepero's last known location and physical description, but authorities have not provided additional details about what happened after he was last seen.
Police have not publicly identified a destination Cepero may have been attempting to reach.
It is also unclear whether he was alone when he left the area, whether he had access to a vehicle or public transportation, or whether anyone reported seeing him after the initial sighting.
Those details could become important as investigators attempt to establish a timeline of his movements.
The LAPD Missing Persons Unit is handling the investigation. Officers are asking residents, drivers, businesses and anyone who may have been in the Hazelwood Avenue area around the time Cepero disappeared to remain alert for someone matching his description.
Even a brief sighting could potentially help investigators determine which direction he traveled.
WHY IT MATTERS
Cepero's age and the possibility that he may be disoriented make the search particularly urgent.
When an elderly person becomes disoriented or separated from their normal surroundings, they can have difficulty finding their way home or communicating their location to others.
Family members may also have limited information about where the missing person intended to go, making public assistance especially important.
The search also highlights the role that small pieces of information can play in missing-person investigations. A person who noticed Cepero walking along a nearby street, entering a business or boarding transportation may have information that investigators can use to reconstruct his movements.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
The most immediate question is where Cepero went after he was last seen on Hazelwood Avenue.
Investigators will need to establish his movements and determine whether there were additional sightings after 7 a.m. Authorities could examine available surveillance footage, speak with witnesses and review other information that may help establish a route.
The family is also relying on community members who may recognize Cepero from his description or clothing.
Because the search involves an elderly man who may be disoriented, authorities are encouraging anyone with potentially useful information to contact police rather than attempting to handle the situation themselves.
A SKEPTICAL VIEW
The circumstances of Cepero's disappearance remain largely unknown, so it would be premature to assume that he is in immediate danger or that a crime occurred. LAPD has not publicly reported evidence of foul play, an abduction or an accident. The available information primarily establishes that he was last seen at a specific location and that his family is concerned because he may be disoriented. Investigators will need additional information and sightings before determining what happened after he disappeared.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The LAPD Missing Persons Unit is expected to continue gathering information about Cepero's disappearance and reviewing any potential leads.
Investigators may also work with family members and friends to determine where Cepero could have intended to go and whether there are locations he is known to visit.
Members of the public who were in the area around the time he disappeared are encouraged to consider whether they may have seen someone matching his description.
Anyone who sees Paul Cepero or has information about his whereabouts should contact the LAPD Missing Persons Unit of the Detective Support and Vice Division at 213-996-1800 or call 911.
During non-business hours or on weekends, information can be provided at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855).
People who wish to remain anonymous can contact L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477).
Tipsters can also submit information through the P3 Tips mobile application by selecting L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Where did Paul Cepero go after he was last seen?
- Did anyone see him after 7 a.m. on Aug. 6?
- Was he traveling on foot or using transportation?
- Was Cepero carrying a phone or other identifying belongings?
- What destination may he have been trying to reach?
- Are surveillance cameras available near Hazelwood Avenue?
- Was anyone with Cepero when he disappeared?
- Is there any evidence indicating he may be in danger?
- Has he been seen in another Los Angeles neighborhood?