Austin Police Search for Multiple Missing Elderly Men as Dangerous Winter Weather Approaches

Growing Crisis in Austin

Austin police are urgently searching for multiple elderly men who have disappeared over the past two weeks, with authorities expressing heightened concern as dangerous winter weather threatens Central Texas. Austin police are searching for a third missing elderly man this week, warning that health concerns and incoming winter weather could increase the risk to those who have disappeared. The most recent case involves Bernard Johnson, 69, who was last seen about 10 a.m. Jan. 6 in the 6800 block of Riverside Drive. Authorities said they are concerned for Johnson's safety because of existing health conditions and the threat of severe winter weather.

The cases have prompted multiple public appeals for assistance, with police emphasizing that time is of the essence given the vulnerable nature of the missing individuals and approaching severe weather conditions. Police said they are concerned for Johnson's immediate welfare due to his health conditions and upcoming severe weather in the area.

Three Separate Disappearances

The most recent missing person case involves Bernard Johnson, who was last seen around 10 a.m. on Jan. 6 in the 6800 block of Riverside Drive. Johnson is described as a Black male, 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 165 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing an orange hat, black jacket and yellow boots. That's near the Riverside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Police are also searching for George Lambert, also known as Joe, who was last seen around 2 p.m. Sunday in the 5200 block of Tahoe Trail in south Austin. Lambert was wearing a tan or light brown jacket, tan camouflage pants and black shoes with white shoelaces when he disappeared. Lambert is described as a white man standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing approximately 170 pounds.

Additionally, authorities issued a Silver Alert for 82-year-old Ramon Gonzales who has not been seen since 2 p.m. Sunday at St. David's South Austin Medical Center. Before he was reported missing, Gonzales was seen wearing a red shirt with a brown jacket and blue jeans.

Health Concerns Amplify Urgency

What makes these cases particularly urgent is that all three men have underlying health conditions that put them at increased risk. Police believe George (Joe) Lambert's safety may be in danger due to health conditions and the upcoming cold weather. APD is asking for the public's help in finding Lambert. The combination of medical vulnerabilities and harsh weather creates a potentially life-threatening situation.

Austin's Missing Person Unit, which is responsible for Endangered Missing Person Alert (Intellectual Disability), Silver Alerts (Missing Elderly), Blue Alerts (Missing or killed in the line of duty Police Officers), CLEAR Alerts (missing adult/criminal nexus) and Amber Alerts (Missing Children), is coordinating the search efforts across multiple cases simultaneously.

Community Response Critical

Police are emphasizing that community involvement could be crucial in bringing these men home safely. Anyone who sees Johnson is urged to call 911 immediately. The same urgent appeal applies to sightings of Lambert or Gonzales, with authorities stressing that immediate reporting could make the difference between life and death.

These cases highlight the vulnerability of elderly individuals, particularly those with health conditions, and underscore how quickly routine situations can become emergencies. As winter weather bears down on Central Texas, the search efforts intensify, with police departments, families, and community members working together against time to locate these missing men before conditions worsen further.