SAFE Alert canceled for missing 89-year-old last seen in Phoenix

Authorities canceled a SAFE Alert on Monday, one day after it was issued for an 89-year-old man who was last seen in Phoenix.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety issued the alert for Sebunyenyeri Munyangeri, saying he was last seen near 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road around 1 p.m. Sunday.

Sgt. Lorraine Fernandez, a spokesperson with the Phoenix Police Department, said he had not been in danger.

“Sebunyenyeri has returned home this morning safe and sound,” Fernandez said in a Monday update. “He spent the night at a friend’s house.”

The initial alert said Munyangeri has a medical condition that may cause him to become easily confused.

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.

This is an updated version of a story originally published on May 24, 2026. 

Related

Woman arrested for DUI after 4-vehicle crash in Phoenix leaves 1 critically injuredCenter Court Pickleball Club expands Valley footprint with 2nd Scottsdale venue, 4th overallArizona sheriff’s office cuts ties with K-9 foundation over concerns about transparencyTempe Marketplace welcomes 5 additions, including newly opened CarharttState Route 51 construction to bring weeks of around-the-clock delaysArizona’s primary election was like ‘rehearsal for the Super Bowl,’ Maricopa County supervisor says