A Silver Alert has been issued for a 70-year-old Los Angeles man who has been missing since Friday, with his family and the Los Angeles Police Department asking the public for help locating him.
Lonial Ellison was last seen near the 4700 block of Slauson Avenue at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 7, 2026. His family is concerned for his safety because Ellison has dementia, according to the LAPD.
Police said his destination is unknown, leaving investigators and his loved ones trying to determine where he may have gone after his last known sighting.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Ellison was last seen around 4:30 p.m. near the 4700 block of Slauson Avenue.
The circumstances surrounding his disappearance have not been publicly detailed. Authorities have not said whether Ellison was on foot, using public transportation or traveling by another means when he was last seen.
LAPD said Ellison has dementia, which is a major concern for his family as the search continues.
Police are asking residents and anyone who may have been in the area around the time of his disappearance to remain alert for someone matching his description.
Ellison is described as a Black male with brown hair and brown eyes. He is approximately 6 feet tall and weighs around 190 pounds.
He was last seen wearing a green sweater, khaki pants and black shoes.
His destination is currently unknown.
KEY FACTS
Missing Person: Lonial Ellison
- Age: 70
- Last Seen: Aug. 7, 2026, around 4:30 p.m.
- Location: Near the 4700 block of Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles
- Alert: Silver Alert
- Description: Black male with brown hair and brown eyes
- Height: Approximately 6 feet
- Weight: Approximately 190 pounds
- Last Known Clothing: Green sweater, khaki pants and black shoes
- Health Concern: Dementia
- Destination: Unknown
- Investigating Agency: Los Angeles Police Department
- Contact: Pacific Area Detectives at 310-482-6334
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
The information released by LAPD establishes Ellison's last known location, physical description and clothing, but authorities have not provided additional details about his movements after he was last seen.
Police have not publicly disclosed whether there have been any confirmed sightings since Aug. 7.
It is also unclear whether Ellison had a cellphone, identification, money or other belongings with him when he disappeared.
Those details could become important as investigators work to establish a timeline and determine where he may have traveled.
Because Ellison has dementia, authorities are treating the disappearance as a serious safety concern. A person experiencing cognitive impairment may become disoriented or have difficulty explaining where they live or how to return home.
Investigators are therefore encouraging anyone who may have seen Ellison to contact police even if the sighting seems minor or occurred some distance from Slauson Avenue.
WHY IT MATTERS
Silver Alerts are intended to help locate missing older adults and other vulnerable people who may be at increased risk because of cognitive impairment or other circumstances.
In Ellison's case, his reported dementia adds urgency to the search because his ability to navigate unfamiliar surroundings or communicate his needs could be affected.
His clothing description may also help members of the public recognize him. Police are asking people to look for a man matching the description of approximately 6 feet tall and 190 pounds who was wearing a green sweater, khaki pants and black shoes.
Businesses and residents near Slauson Avenue may also have surveillance footage that could help investigators determine which direction Ellison traveled after his last known sighting.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
The central question for investigators is where Ellison went after he was last seen Friday afternoon.
Establishing his movements could help police identify locations where additional searches should be conducted and determine whether there were witnesses who encountered him.
Investigators may examine surveillance footage, speak with witnesses and work with Ellison's family to identify places he may have been attempting to reach.
His destination remains unknown, making public assistance particularly important.
A SKEPTICAL VIEW
The available information does not establish that Ellison has been harmed or that a crime occurred. LAPD has not publicly reported evidence of foul play, an abduction or an accident. The primary concern identified by authorities is his age and reported dementia, along with the fact that his destination is unknown. Until investigators receive additional sightings or evidence, it would be premature to speculate about what happened to him after he was last seen.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
LAPD's Pacific Area Detectives are continuing efforts to locate Ellison and are asking the public to provide any information that could help investigators.
Anyone who sees Ellison or knows where he may be should contact Pacific Area Detectives at 310-482-6334 or call 911 if there is an immediate concern.
During non-business hours or 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 submit information through the P3 Tips mobile application by selecting L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.
Family members and investigators are hoping that someone who saw Ellison after his last known sighting will come forward with information that could help bring him home safely.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Where did Lonial Ellison go after he was last seen?
- Has anyone reported seeing him since Aug. 7?
- Was he traveling on foot or using transportation?
- Did he have a cellphone or identification with him?
- What destination may he have been trying to reach?
- Are there surveillance cameras that captured his movements?
- Did anyone interact with him after his last known sighting?
- Has he traveled outside the immediate Slauson Avenue area?
- What additional information could help investigators locate him?