SAFE Alert canceled for out-of-state man reported missing from Gilbert

PHOENIX – Authorities canceled a SAFE Alert a few hours after issuing it on the morning of Friday, Feb. 27, for an out-of-state man who was reported missing from Gilbert.

Larry Hochstetler, 72, was last seen around 8 p.m. on Feb. 25 near Val Vista Drive and Guadalupe Road, according to the initial alert.

According to the Gilbert Police Department, Hochstetler was located by the Pinal County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue on a hiking trail in Superior around 2 p.m. Police said that Hochstetler was disoriented and airlifted to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

The Gilbert police said Hochstetler was in the Valley visiting family.

He was believed to be driving a silver 2017 Subaru Outback with Indiana license plate 872LHQ. His clothing and destination are unknown, but authorities said he hikes frequently.

Hochstetler is described as 5-foot-6 and 165 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. He has no known health conditions.

SAFE Alerts have replaced Silver Alerts in Arizona as a way to spread the word about missing persons who are 65 and older and missing persons who have dementia or developmental/cognitive disabilities.

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