Louisville police seek public help locating missing 69-year-old man described as lost and confused

What authorities say

Louisville Metro Police are asking for the public’s help to locate a missing 69-year-old man, warning that he may be disoriented and unable to safely find his way back on his own.

Police described the situation as a missing-person case with potential safety concerns, noting indicators that the man may be lost or confused. Such language is typically used in cases where age-related cognitive impairment, a medical condition, or another vulnerability may affect decision-making and navigation.

How missing-person alerts work in Louisville

In Louisville, missing-person investigations can begin immediately after a report is made; there is no mandatory waiting period. The timing matters because early hours often provide the best opportunity to confirm last-known movements, gather descriptions of clothing and destinations, and identify surveillance or digital leads that may narrow a search area.

For adults, law enforcement options can be limited when there is no evidence of a crime, because adults can legally leave home voluntarily. When police identify signs of elevated risk—such as confusion, a medical diagnosis, or exposure to weather and traffic—they can escalate the response, distribute public alerts, and coordinate broader search efforts.

Why “lost or confused” is treated as a high-risk factor

Search-and-rescue experts and law enforcement agencies routinely treat cognitive impairment and disorientation as factors that increase urgency. People who are confused may not recognize landmarks, may avoid asking for help, and may unintentionally travel farther from familiar areas, including into hazardous environments such as roadways, wooded corridors, or waterways.

In these cases, the most actionable information often comes from quick public reporting: sightings with a time, precise location, direction of travel, and any accompanying details such as a vehicle description or interactions observed.

What residents can do if they think they see the missing man

• Call 911 if the person appears in immediate danger or is in a situation involving traffic, exposure, or medical distress.

• If there is no immediate emergency, contact Louisville Metro Police through the non-emergency or tip channels used for missing-person cases.

• When reporting a possible sighting, provide the exact address or nearest intersection, the time seen, clothing details, and whether the person was alone or with someone.

• If safe to do so, remain nearby and observe from a respectful distance until help arrives, avoiding confrontation or actions that could cause the person to flee.

In missing-person cases involving possible confusion, rapid reporting of credible sightings can significantly reduce search time and improve safety outcomes.

Ongoing response

Police have not released additional details in the initial public notice beyond the warning that the missing man may be lost and confused. The investigation remains active, and residents are urged to report information promptly to help officers verify the man’s location and ensure he is safe.