Phoenix Police Issue SAFE Alert for Missing Man

Carl Wayne Grusendorf, 68, was last seen Sunday in east Phoenix and has a medical condition that may cause confusion.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Eldercare

Flat-color editorial illustration of an empty desert street curving toward distant stucco rooftops, with a palo verde tree and block wall under a hazy sky. — Phoenix police issued a SAFE Alert Monday seeking the public's help finding Carl Wayne Grusendorf, 68, last seen about 4 p.m. Sunday in east Phoenix. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Phoenix Police Department issued a SAFE Alert for 68-year-old Carl Wayne Grusendorf, who was last seen about 4 p.m. Sunday near 56th and Oak streets, south of Thomas Road, in east Phoenix. Anyone with information is asked to contact the department's Missing Persons Unit.

Why it matters

Grusendorf has a medical condition that may cause him to appear confused or disoriented, which raises concern for his safety. SAFE Alerts are used to spread the word about missing persons who are 65 and older or who have dementia or developmental or cognitive disabilities.

Grusendorf was last seen wearing a gray baseball hat, a dark-colored shirt, blue jeans and gray shoes, and has brown eyes and black and gray hair. Police have not said whether he has been located or where he may have gone.

The players

Phoenix Police Department

The Phoenix Police Department is the municipal law enforcement agency that issued the SAFE Alert and operates the Missing Persons Unit handling the case.

Carl Wayne Grusendorf

Carl Wayne Grusendorf is the 68-year-old man reported missing, who has a medical condition that may cause confusion or disorientation.

The details

Grusendorf was last seen about 4 p.m. Sunday near 56th and Oak streets, south of Thomas Road. The Phoenix Police Department issued the SAFE Alert after he was reported missing, asking the public to report any sightings.

Sunday, about 4 p.m.: Grusendorf was last seen near 56th and Oak streets.
Nov. 9, 2026: The SAFE Alert was issued for Grusendorf.

Legal Context

Arizona's SAFE Alert system replaced Silver Alerts for missing persons 65 and older and those with dementia or developmental or cognitive disabilities. This case applies that framework to a 68-year-old man with a medical condition that may cause confusion.

Anyone who sees a man matching Grusendorf's description, wearing a gray baseball hat, dark shirt, blue jeans and gray shoes, should call the Phoenix Police Department Missing Persons Unit at 602-534-2121. Families of older adults with memory conditions can also learn what SAFE Alert criteria cover.

The takeaway

If you know an older adult with a memory or medical condition, sharing a current photo and description with local police can speed a search should they ever go missing.