Petaluma Man With Special Needs No Longer Missing: PD

PETALUMA, CA — UPDATED: A Petaluma man with special needs who was reported missing Monday has been found. Wilbert Vargas, 30, has been located and is safe, the Petaluma Police Department reported at 6:50 p.m. Tuesday.

ORIGINAL POST: Police have asked for the public's help in finding a Petaluma man with special needs. Wilbert Vargas, a 30-year-old who is cared for by a family member, was reported missing around 4 p.m. Monday, according to Petaluma police Sgt. Patrick Gerke.

Vargas was last seen at 730 N. Webster St. in East Petaluma, and police have searched that area, Gerke said.

"The circumstances surrounding Wilbert’s disappearance are unknown at this time," Gerke said. "It is possible that Wilbert is in the company of his aunt who lives out of state who recently visited the area. This has not been confirmed and the aunt is not wanted for a criminal violation at this time."

Wilbert is described as 5-foot-6 inch white man who weighs around 150 pounds and has short brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt, blue jeans and white New Balance athletic shoes with a red N.

Anyone who sees Wilbert is asked to contact the Petaluma Police Department at 707-778-4372 or their local law enforcement agency.

Gerke noted that Wilbert was incorrectly identified as Gilbert in a news release issued Monday by the Petaluma Police Department.

Information can also be submitted by texting TIP PETPD to 888777, followed by the content of the text message.