The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a 31-year-old man who has been missing since Aug. 1.
Jose Nolasco was last seen around 9 p.m. in the 7000 block of Lennox Avenue, according to information released by the LAPD. His family is seeking help from the public as investigators work to determine where he may have gone.
Authorities said Nolasco has the mental capacity of a 14-year-old and takes medication daily, circumstances that have increased concerns about his safety while he remains missing.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Jose Nolasco was last seen at approximately 9 p.m. on Aug. 1 in the 7000 block of Lennox Avenue.
Police have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance or what he may have been doing immediately before he was last seen.
Nolasco is described as a 31-year-old Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes.
He is approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 130 pounds.
At the time of his last known sighting, Nolasco was wearing a green shirt, gray pants and black Vans shoes.
LAPD said Nolasco has the mental capacity of a 14-year-old and takes medication daily. His family is therefore asking anyone who may have information about his whereabouts to contact authorities.
KEY FACTS
Missing Person: Jose Nolasco
- Age: 31
- Last Seen: Aug. 1, around 9 p.m.
- Last Known Location: 7000 block of Lennox Avenue, Los Angeles
- Description: Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 5 inches
- Weight: Approximately 130 pounds
- Last Known Clothing: Green shirt, gray pants and black Vans shoes
- Safety Concern: Police said Nolasco has the mental capacity of a 14-year-old and takes medication daily
- Investigating Agency: Los Angeles Police Department, Van Nuys Division
- Contact: 818-374-9500 or 911
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
The information released by LAPD identifies Nolasco's last known location and provides a physical description and details about what he was wearing.
However, authorities have not publicly explained what happened after Nolasco was last seen on Aug. 1.
It is currently unclear whether he left the area on foot, used public transportation or traveled with someone else.
Police also have not said whether there have been any confirmed sightings since his disappearance.
The information about Nolasco's daily medication is particularly important to the search. Investigators and his family may need to determine whether he had access to his medication when he left and whether there are specific locations he may have been attempting to reach.
Anyone who believes they may have seen Nolasco is encouraged to contact police rather than dismissing the sighting because it occurred outside the immediate Lennox Avenue area.
WHY IT MATTERS
Nolasco's family is concerned about his safety because of his reported cognitive limitations and need for daily medication.
Missing-person investigations can become more difficult when a person may have difficulty communicating their identity, explaining where they live or navigating unfamiliar surroundings.
His clothing description could help residents, businesses, drivers and transit passengers recognize him.
The green shirt, gray pants and black Vans shoes may be particularly useful details for anyone reviewing surveillance footage or recalling people they encountered around Lennox Avenue.
Even information that appears insignificant, such as seeing someone matching his description walking along a particular street, could help investigators establish a timeline.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
The key question is where Nolasco went after his last confirmed sighting.
Investigators may need to reconstruct his movements by speaking with witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage and examining any available information about his transportation or communication.
Family members may also be able to provide investigators with information about locations Nolasco regularly visited or people he may have attempted to contact.
Because his destination is not known, the search may ultimately extend beyond the area where he was last seen.
A SKEPTICAL VIEW
The available information does not establish that Nolasco was the victim of a crime or that he is in immediate physical danger. LAPD has not publicly reported evidence of foul play, an abduction or an accident. The primary concerns described by authorities involve his cognitive limitations and daily medication needs. Until investigators receive additional information or confirmed sightings, it would be premature to speculate about what happened after he left the Lennox Avenue area.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The LAPD Van Nuys Division is continuing efforts to locate Nolasco and is asking members of the public to provide information that could help investigators.
Anyone who has seen Jose Nolasco or knows where he may be should contact the Los Angeles Police Department's Van Nuys Division at 818-374-9500.
Anyone who believes Nolasco may be in immediate danger should call 911.
During non-business hours or on weekends, information can be provided through LAPD's 24-hour number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).
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 use the P3 Tips mobile application and select L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.
Family members and investigators are hoping that anyone with information will come forward, even if they are uncertain whether what they know could help.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Where did Jose Nolasco go after he was last seen?
- Has anyone seen him since Aug. 1?
- Was he traveling alone?
- Was he traveling on foot or using public transportation?
- Did he have his daily medication with him?
- Did he have a cellphone or other belongings?
- Are there surveillance cameras that may have captured his movements?
- Did anyone speak with him after his last known sighting?
- Is there a specific location he may have been attempting to reach?