TORONTO, May 12, 2026 – Toronto police issued several missing person notices in the early hours of May 12, including two involving seniors last seen in Scarborough. Police said Jesus, 75, was last seen at about 6 p.m. on May 11 near Midland Avenue and Finch Avenue East, while Xiaoe, 79, was last seen at about 7 a.m. on May 11 near McCowan Road and Sheppard Avenue East. Police said they are concerned for both individuals’ safety and are asking the public for help. For Chinese families with elderly relatives, seniors living alone, caregivers, and apartment residents, these notices are also a reminder that emergency information for a missing senior should be prepared in advance, rather than only being gathered after someone disappears.
According to Toronto police notices, Jesus, age 75, was last seen near Midland Avenue and Finch Avenue East, and police have asked the public to assist in locating him. Xiaoe, age 79, was last seen near McCowan Road and Sheppard Avenue East, and police also said they are concerned for her safety. Both notices were issued by Toronto Police 42 Division.
For many Chinese families, the risk of an elderly person going missing often does not appear suddenly. It may be linked to memory decline, living alone, language barriers, changes in health, disrupted routines, or changes to familiar travel routes. Some seniors may usually be able to shop, walk, or take transit independently, but once there is bad weather, a bus detour, a dead phone battery, or sudden discomfort, they may no longer be able to return to familiar places safely.
Family members and caregivers should prepare a missing-person emergency information file in advance. This should include a recent clear photo, a description of the senior’s usual clothing, height and build, places they often go, transit routes they commonly use, a medication list, medical conditions, language ability, emergency contacts, and whether they usually carry a phone, wallet, health card, or transit card. If the senior has memory issues, chronic illness, or mobility challenges, information that may help police assess risk should also be recorded early.
In daily life, a common problem is that family members only begin looking for an old photo, asking relatives, and trying to remember what the senior was wearing or which route they may have taken after realizing the person has not returned home. That can slow down reporting and search efforts. A safer approach is to keep a recent front-facing photo on file and regularly update clothing details, medication information, and frequent destinations. Before the senior leaves home, it may also help to confirm the destination and expected return time with family.
For apartment residents and families living in seniors’ buildings, property staff and neighbours may also become important sources of information. If the senior usually leaves home at a regular time, family members may want to arrange a basic communication method in advance with trusted neighbours, front desk staff, or care workers. If something unusual happens, it may then be easier to quickly check whether anyone saw the person in the elevator, lobby, parking area, or nearby stores. If the residence has surveillance cameras, families should also learn the process for requesting footage rather than waiting several days to ask.
It is important to note that if members of the public think they have seen a missing senior, they should not try to track the person publicly on social media or surround them on their own. The better step is to contact police and provide the location, time, direction of travel, clothing description, and whether anyone was with the person. If the situation is urgent or the senior may be in immediate danger, people should call 911. If they are simply providing a tip, they may contact the relevant Toronto police division or Crime Stoppers. Police said tips related to Jesus and Xiaoe may be reported to 42 Division at 416-808-4200, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS.
Community organizations can also use this as a reminder to review their own senior safety procedures. Chinese schools, seniors’ centres, religious groups, and community service organizations that often serve older adults should confirm emergency contacts during registration and keep attendance records for activities, departures, pickups, and outings. For seniors who are not comfortable with English or who have a weak sense of direction, staff or family members may also help them carry a card showing their name, emergency contact, and primary language.
Cases involving missing seniors often need to be treated quickly. Families do not need to wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing. If the senior has health risks, memory problems, language barriers, or has acted in a way that is clearly different from their usual routine, police should be contacted as soon as possible. For Chinese families, preparing photos, routes, medication details, and contact information in advance can help police and the community identify and assist the person more quickly at a critical moment. (LJI by Yuanyuan)
