Missing 'High Risk' Man Spotted near Oak Forest, May Need Medical Help

Caption: Mateo Fernandez, 78, has been missing from Chicago’s West Lawn neighborhood since July 16. He is considered “high risk” and may need medical help.

A 78-year-old man reported missing from Chicago’s West Lawn neighborhood has been spotted near 159th and Pulaski in Markham.

Mateo Fernandez has been missing since July 16. Chicago Police have upgraded Mateo to a “high risk missing person” as of Monday. He may be in need of immediate medical attention.

He is a Hispanic male, about 5-foot-6 and 140 pounds. He has brown eyes, his hair is graying, a medium brown complexion, and a scar on his chest.

Prior to his being reported missing, he was last seen in the 6200 block of South Karlov in West Lawn last Thursday, July 16, wearing a white t-shirt, navy blue pants, and brown sandals. Although it’s a long way from 62nd and Karlov, Oak Lawn police were contacted on Monday about a possible sighting of Mateo near 93rd Street and Southwest Highway.

If you see Mateo, call 911. If you have useful, non-emergency information to share with detectives, call the Chicago Police Central Area Missing Persons Unit at (312) 747-8380.