Silver Alert Issued for Missing 85-Year-Old Man in South Los Angeles

What Happened?

On Saturday, police activated a Silver Alert for an 85-year-old man named Clarence Gilbert. He was last seen in the South Los Angeles area, and authorities are asking for the public’s help to find him safely.

IMPORTANT: If you see Clarence Gilbert, call 911 immediately! Do not try to approach him yourself—just call for help.

Who Is Missing?

Here are the details about Clarence so you can recognize him:

• Name: Clarence Gilbert
• Age: 85 years old
• Height: 5 feet, 9 inches tall
• Weight: 195 pounds
• Hair: Black
• Eyes: Black
• Race: Black

What He Was Wearing

• Plaid button-up shirt
• Blue jeans
• Black boots

LAST SEEN: Around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday near West 74th Street and Main Street in South Los Angeles. He was believed to be on foot (walking).

What Is a Silver Alert? (ELI5 Explanation)

Think of a Silver Alert like an Amber Alert, but for older adults instead of children.

When Is a Silver Alert Activated?

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) issues a Silver Alert when ALL of these are true:

1. The person is 65 or older OR has a developmental/cognitive impairment (like dementia or Alzheimer’s)
2. They have gone missing
3. They are at risk—meaning they might not be able to care for themselves, could be in danger, or might not understand they’re lost

The goal: Get the word out fast so more eyes are looking!

What Should YOU Do?

Follow these steps if you think you’ve seen Clarence:

1. Stay calm — Don’t panic
2. Call 911 immediately — Tell them you may have seen the man from the Silver Alert
3. Give details — Where you saw him, what time, what direction he was walking
4. Do NOT approach — Let trained officers handle it (for everyone’s safety)
5. Stay on the line — The dispatcher may need more info

Why This Matters

KEY POINT: Every minute counts when a vulnerable adult goes missing. They may:

• Be confused about where they are
• Not remember their name or address
• Have medical needs (medication, insulin, etc.)
• Be unable to ask for help
• Be at risk from weather, traffic, or strangers

Community help works! Many Silver Alert cases are solved because a regular person—like you—spotted the missing person and called 911.

Summary

• Clarence Gilbert, 85, went missing Saturday at 12:30 a.m. in South LA (West 74th & Main)
• He was walking and wearing a plaid shirt, blue jeans, black boots
• A Silver Alert was issued—this is an emergency notification for missing at-risk seniors
• Call 911 if you see him—do not approach
• Your quick call could bring him home safely

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What’s the difference between a Silver Alert and an Amber Alert?

Amber Alerts are for missing children (usually under 18). Silver Alerts are for missing older adults (usually 65+) or adults with cognitive impairments like dementia. Both use the same emergency system to spread the word fast.

Why was the alert sent out so late at night (12:30 a.m.)?

Silver Alerts go out as soon as police confirm the person is missing and at-risk. Time of day doesn’t matter—safety comes first. The sooner the alert, the sooner people can help.

What if I’m not sure it’s him?

Call 911 anyway. It’s better to report a possible sighting than to stay quiet. Dispatchers can sort it out. You won’t get in trouble for a good-faith call.

How long does a Silver Alert stay active?

Until the person is found safe or the investigation changes. There’s no set time limit—police keep looking until there’s a resolution.

Can I share this on social media to help?

Yes! Sharing official alerts (from police or CHP) helps spread the word. Just make sure you’re sharing accurate, current info from a trusted source.

Thank you for reading and staying alert. Your attention could save a life.