Police Search for Missing Senior in San Luis Obispo
Authorities are seeking the public's assistance in locating 86-year-old John Shultz, who went missing Wednesday morning.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
San Luis Obispo police are searching for 86-year-old John Shultz, who has dementia and was last seen leaving his home near Calle Lupita and Margarita Avenue on Wednesday morning. The community is asked to help locate the missing man, who was wearing a tan jacket and a floppy fisherman's hat.
Why it matters
When an individual with dementia goes missing, time is critical to ensuring their safety and wellbeing. Local law enforcement is coordinating search efforts and relies on community awareness to identify vulnerable residents who have wandered from their homes.
John Shultz, an 86-year-old with dementia, was last seen leaving his residence at 8 a.m. on Wednesday. He was wearing a tan jacket and a floppy fisherman's hat.
The players
John Shultz
John Shultz is an 86-year-old resident with dementia who is currently the subject of a missing person search in San Luis Obispo.
San Luis Obispo Police Department
The San Luis Obispo Police Department is the local law enforcement agency coordinating the search and recovery efforts for the missing individual.
The details
Authorities have launched a search for the resident following his disappearance from his home near Calle Lupita and Margarita Avenue. Police urge anyone with information regarding his potential location to contact their department immediately.
Timeline
John Shultz was last seen leaving his home around 8 a.m. Wednesday.
Health Landscape
The search for John Shultz follows a pattern set by Silver Alert systems, which are used to notify the public about missing seniors with cognitive impairments.
Residents in the area near Calle Lupita and Margarita Avenue should remain alert and check their properties for signs of the missing man. Those with information should contact the department at 805-781-7312 to assist in the search.
The takeaway
Family members should consider registering individuals with dementia in local tracking programs before an emergency occurs. Community members are encouraged to keep the police contact number saved if they frequently interact with vulnerable seniors in their neighborhood.
Further reading
For more information on supporting those with cognitive decline, visit Alzheimer’s.
