Search Underway for Missing Pittsburgh Man With Dementia

Public assistance is requested to locate a 62-year-old man with dementia last seen on Dilworth Street in Mount Washington.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Alzheimer’s

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of an empty, hilly residential street, evoking the gravity of a community search effort. — Pittsburgh police are currently searching for 62-year-old Eric Velez, who was reported missing in the Mount Washington neighborhood on Monday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Pittsburgh Police Bureau is searching for Eric Velez, a 62-year-old man who was reported missing on Monday. Velez, who has a diagnosis of dementia, was last seen in the Mount Washington area on Dilworth Street.

Why it matters

For individuals with dementia, the risk of wandering is a significant concern that requires immediate community attention to ensure safety. Prompt identification is critical because memory loss issues mean the missing person may require urgent medical care or assistance.

Official reporting from the Pittsburgh Police Bureau confirms that Eric Velez, a 62-year-old male with dementia, was reported missing after he was last seen on Dilworth Street. His current location remains unknown, and authorities are continuing to request public assistance in the search.

The players

Pittsburgh Police Bureau

The local law enforcement agency responsible for public safety and search operations within Pittsburgh.

Eric Velez

A 62-year-old man with a diagnosis of dementia who is currently the subject of a missing person search.

The details

Individuals living with dementia often experience disoriented wandering due to cognitive changes that affect spatial navigation and recognition. When a person with memory impairment goes missing, their safety is quickly compromised by the inability to find familiar surroundings or communicate their needs effectively to others. The Pittsburgh Police Bureau is leading the search effort for Velez, who is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 140 pounds.

• Eric Velez was reported missing at 12:37 p.m. on October 26, 2026.

Health Landscape

This search follows the emergency response protocols established by the Silver Alert system for missing cognitively impaired adults. It underscores the broader challenge of managing wandering risks for the aging population within metropolitan areas.

If you reside in the Mount Washington area, please report any sightings of the individual to the authorities immediately. Velez was last seen wearing dark pants, a black sweatshirt, a tan coat with a white fur collar, and a dark baseball cap with Shammy on the front.

The takeaway

The search for a missing person with dementia is a time-sensitive situation that highlights the need for community awareness. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Eric Velez should contact the Pittsburgh Police Bureau at 412-323-7141.