The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 94-year-old Vernon Webb, who was reported missing after he was last seen in Northridge.
According to the LAPD, Webb was last seen on Aug. 17, 2026, at approximately 1 p.m. near the 18000 block of Roscoe Boulevard in the Northridge area of Los Angeles.
Police said Webb suffers from early dementia, and his family is concerned for his safety.
Because of his age and reported condition, authorities are asking residents and anyone traveling through the area to remain alert for Webb and report any information that could help investigators locate him.
The circumstances surrounding Webb's disappearance were not immediately provided by police.
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
LAPD described Webb as a 94-year-old Black man who is bald and has brown eyes.
He is approximately 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds.
Police said Webb is known to wear a hat, although additional details about the clothing he was wearing when he was last seen were not provided in the alert.
His last known location was near Roscoe Boulevard in Northridge.
Authorities have not publicly indicated whether Webb was traveling on foot, whether he may have entered a vehicle or whether investigators have identified a possible destination.
The LAPD has released his description as part of its effort to generate information from the public.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
The disappearance of an elderly person with dementia can create an especially urgent situation because confusion or memory loss may make it difficult for someone to recognize familiar surroundings or find their way home.
For Webb's family, locating him safely is the immediate priority.
Police are asking anyone who may have encountered Webb since his last known sighting to contact investigators rather than attempting to determine on their own whether the person they saw was the missing man.
At this stage, there is no information indicating that Webb's disappearance is connected to a criminal act.
A cautious view is that investigators have released limited information about the circumstances of his disappearance. Police have not said where Webb may have been headed, whether he was alone when last seen or whether there are specific locations investigators believe he may have visited. The absence of those details means the public should rely on the official description and report any potentially relevant sighting directly to authorities rather than making assumptions about what happened.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The LAPD and Webb's family and friends are continuing efforts to locate him.
Anyone who has seen Vernon Webb or has information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact Topanga Division at (818) 756-4800 or call 911.
During non-business hours or on weekends, information can be provided by calling 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (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.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with even potentially useful information to come forward as the search continues.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Where did Vernon Webb go after he was last seen?
- Was he traveling on foot or using another form of transportation?
- What was Webb wearing when he was last seen besides his known hat?
- Did anyone witness him leaving the area?
- Are surveillance cameras available near Roscoe Boulevard that could assist investigators?
- Does Webb have a known destination he may have been trying to reach?
- Has anyone reported a possible sighting since Aug. 17?
- Are additional search resources being deployed?
Missing Person Information
Name: Vernon Webb Age: 94 Last Seen: Aug. 17, 2026, around 1 p.m. Last Known Location: 18000 block of Roscoe Boulevard, Northridge Description: Black male, bald, brown eyes Height: Approximately 5 feet, 7 inches Weight: Approximately 170 pounds Known to Wear: A hat Medical Information: Early dementia Investigating Agency: Los Angeles Police Department / Topanga Division