Missing Arleta Man, 72, Found Safe

ARLETA (CBSLA.com) — A missing 72-year-old Arleta man was found safe Thursday morning.

Jose Cervantes flagged down a passing LAPD police car near the 118 Freeway and De Soto Avenue around 9 a.m.

"He told the officers he was lost, but he knew where he lived," Lt. Paul Vernon said.  "So the officers drove him home to a nice reunion."

Cervantes' family said he had been missing since noon Wednesday.

Police say the incident was a good reminder to families with elderly or anyone whose memory can be challenged, to sew their identity into clothing, or ask them to wear a medic alert bracelet.  This will ensure they have identifying information, which can aid police in reuniting the lost person with family.