The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating 80-year-old Jeff Johnson Jr., who was reported missing after he was last seen Monday night in Los Angeles.
According to the LAPD Southwest Division, Johnson was last seen on Aug. 17, 2026, at approximately 9:20 p.m. near the 1300 block of West 36th Street.
Police said Johnson has Alzheimer’s disease, prompting concerns for his safety and well-being.
His family and friends are working with investigators as authorities attempt to determine where he may have gone and locate him as quickly as possible.
Because of his age and reported medical condition, authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Johnson or have information about his whereabouts to contact police.
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
The LAPD described Johnson as an 80-year-old Black man with gray hair and brown eyes.
He is approximately 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs about 218 pounds.
Police said he was last seen wearing a blue shirt with an “ECKO” print, blue pants and black shoes.
His last known location was near West 36th Street in Los Angeles.
Authorities have not publicly provided additional information about what Johnson was doing before he disappeared or whether he may have access to a vehicle or public transportation.
The LAPD also has not indicated whether investigators have identified any locations where Johnson may have traveled after he was last seen.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
The search for Johnson underscores the challenges families and law enforcement can face when an elderly person with a cognitive condition goes missing.
Time can be particularly important in missing-person cases involving older adults who may become confused or have difficulty remembering where they are or how to return home.
Authorities are therefore encouraging members of the public to remain alert and report any possible sighting rather than attempting to assume that an individual they encounter is not the missing person.
At this point, there is no indication from the information released by police that Johnson is the victim of a crime.
A cautious view is that investigators have released only limited information about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. While his age and reported Alzheimer’s disease make the situation concerning, police have not said whether they believe he is in immediate danger, whether he may have traveled away from the area voluntarily or whether there are other circumstances that could explain his disappearance. Any potential sighting should therefore be reported to authorities so investigators can determine whether it is connected to the case.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The LAPD Southwest Division is continuing efforts to locate Johnson and is asking residents, drivers and others in the Los Angeles area to watch for him.
Anyone who sees Johnson or believes they have information about his whereabouts should contact Southwest Division at (213) 485-2582 or call 911.
During non-business hours or on weekends, information can be provided through 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).
People who want to remain anonymous can contact L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477).
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the P3 Tips mobile application by selecting L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as the local program.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Where did Jeff Johnson Jr. go after he was last seen?
- Has anyone reported a possible sighting?
- Was Johnson traveling on foot or using another form of transportation?
- Is there surveillance footage that could help investigators track his movements?
- Does Johnson have any belongings that could help identify him?
- Are there specific locations investigators believe he may have visited?
- What additional information will police release as the search continues?
Missing Person Information
Name: Jeff Johnson Jr. Age: 80 Last Seen: Aug. 17, 2026, around 9:20 p.m. Last Known Location: 1300 block of West 36th Street, Los Angeles Description: Black male, gray hair, brown eyes Height: Approximately 5 feet, 9 inches Weight: Approximately 218 pounds Last Known Clothing: Blue “ECKO” shirt, blue pants and black shoes Investigating Agency: LAPD Southwest Division