Missing Fresno Man Found Safe After County Wide Silver Alert

Fresno police confirmed that Martine Samaniego, 74, who had been reported missing on the afternoon of December 25, was found safe after a Silver Alert was issued the following day. The department asked for the public's help locating Samaniego after he was last seen near the intersection of Willow and Church avenues and was believed to need medication.

Police described Samaniego as 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 205 pounds. He was reported to be wearing a white baseball hat, a blue long sleeve thermal shirt, blue jeans and white shoes when he was last seen. The Silver Alert, a tool used to rapidly publicize missing older adults who may be in danger because they need medication or have cognitive impairments, activated community assistance and local awareness during the search.

The timeline was brief. The initial report came on December 25, prompting an alert the next day. Fresno police broadened the search through public appeals and the Silver Alert system, and later confirmed that Samaniego had been located and was safe. Authorities encouraged anyone with immediate concerns about a missing older adult to contact Fresno Police so officers can evaluate and, where appropriate, issue alerts that reach motorists, local media and community networks.

For Fresno residents the event underscores how quickly a missing person case involving an older adult can escalate into a medical emergency and how community response matters. Silver Alerts are designed to speed up recognition in public spaces and on roadways, increasing the chances of a safe recovery when time sensitive medication needs are involved. Rapid reporting by family members or caregivers combined with visible public cooperation can shorten search times and reduce health risks for vulnerable residents.

Local officials say community vigilance is an important complement to police resources. If you notice an older adult acting disoriented, or if a family member goes missing and may need medication, contact Fresno Police so officers can assess the case and, when warranted, issue a Silver Alert to mobilize public assistance. The swift resolution in this case offers a practical example of how the system can protect older adults in Fresno County.