A missing-person search in San Francisco ended with good news after 65-year-old Jason Chen was found safe on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
Chen, who has dementia, was reported missing after he was last seen walking near 3rd Street and McKinnon Avenue on Saturday afternoon. His medical condition prompted authorities to treat the disappearance as an at-risk case and issue a Silver Alert as efforts to locate him intensified.
The alert brought public attention to the search and encouraged people in the area to watch for Chen. Later Sunday, officials confirmed that he had been located safely, bringing the search to an end.
Stick to the Facts
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Last Seen
Chen was last seen at approximately 2:17 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, according to information shared by authorities and his family.
At the time, he was believed to be traveling on foot near the intersection of 3rd Street and McKinnon Avenue in San Francisco.
Because Chen has dementia, his family and authorities were particularly concerned about the possibility that he could become disoriented or have difficulty finding his way home.
The circumstances made time an important factor in the search.
Silver Alert
Authorities issued a Silver Alert early Sunday after determining that Chen was an at-risk missing adult.
Silver Alerts are designed to help locate certain missing older adults or individuals with cognitive conditions when authorities believe their disappearance could put them in danger.
The alert expanded public awareness of Chen’s disappearance beyond the immediate area where he was last seen.
People in and around San Francisco were asked to remain alert and contact authorities if they encountered someone matching his description.
Public Appeal
Chen’s family also appealed to the public for assistance.
The combination of the official alert and family appeals helped spread information about the missing man while authorities worked to determine his whereabouts.
According to the information released during the search, Chen was believed to be on foot rather than traveling in a vehicle.
That detail was significant because it meant the search could involve streets, sidewalks, public areas and other places within walking distance of where he was last seen.
His Description
Authorities released identifying details to help members of the public recognize Chen.
He was described as approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing about 167 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.
At the time he was last seen, Chen was reportedly wearing a gray-and-blue sweater over a black hoodie and blue jeans.
These details were circulated as part of the public effort to locate him.
Found Safe
The search ended with a positive update on Sunday night.
Officials confirmed that Chen had been located safely by the California Highway Patrol.
The announcement brought relief after family members had spent hours concerned about his whereabouts.
No additional details about exactly where Chen was found or what happened during the time he was missing were included in the information available about the case.
The most important confirmed detail is that he was located safely.
Why Dementia Matters
Chen’s dementia diagnosis was a major factor in the urgency surrounding his disappearance.
People living with dementia can sometimes become disoriented, lose their sense of direction or have difficulty communicating where they are.
Someone who is normally familiar with an area may also struggle to navigate back to a known location after becoming confused.
For families and caregivers, an unexpected absence can therefore become an emergency quickly, particularly when the individual is traveling alone.
A Short Search
Although the circumstances understandably caused concern, the search concluded relatively quickly.
Chen was reported missing Saturday afternoon, and authorities issued the Silver Alert Sunday as they continued efforts to find him.
By Sunday night, officials had confirmed his safe recovery.
The brief timeline is a reassuring outcome for his family and everyone who responded to the public appeal.
Family Relief
For Chen’s relatives, the announcement that he had been found safe ended a period of uncertainty.
When an older adult with a cognitive condition goes missing, families can face significant anxiety while trying to determine where the person may have gone.
The public nature of the Silver Alert also meant that strangers across the region became aware of Chen’s disappearance.
That wider awareness can be particularly valuable when a missing person is believed to be traveling on foot.
No Ongoing Search
With Chen located safely, there is no longer an active public search for him based on the information released Sunday night.
Authorities have not publicly indicated that a crime occurred or that anyone is suspected in connection with his disappearance.
There is also no verified information suggesting that Chen was harmed while missing.
Without further official details, speculation about why he left or where he spent the intervening hours would be premature.
What We Know
The confirmed timeline is straightforward.
Chen, 65, was last seen near 3rd Street and McKinnon Avenue in San Francisco at about 2:17 p.m. on August 8.
His dementia made him an at-risk missing person, leading authorities to issue a Silver Alert the following day.
Family members and officials asked the public to help locate him.
On August 9, the California Highway Patrol successfully found Chen safe, ending the search.
A Welcome Ending
The disappearance of an older adult with dementia can quickly become a serious safety concern, which is why Chen’s safe recovery is especially significant.
The Silver Alert gave the public essential information during the search, while family appeals helped keep attention on the case.
By Sunday night, the uncertainty was over.
Jason Chen has been located safely, and the missing-person search has concluded. For his family and the San Francisco community, the outcome provides the reassurance everyone had been hoping for after a tense weekend.
