'Endangered' Man Missing From Aurora Hospital: Police

Aurora IL

18 March, 2022

11:55 AM

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AURORA, IL — A 28-year-old man went missing from an Aurora hospital Thursday afternoon, according to officials. Aurora police said the man is believed to be a danger to himself. Officials said officers were called to the hospital after a man was seen leaving the emergency room. Saul Valdez, who is 5-foot-6 and 170 pounds, was at AMITA Health Mercy Medical Center, off Highland Avenue, after he was admitted to a mental health facility "under an involuntary petition," according to police. Officials said Valdez was not in police custody or brought to the hospital "under the authority of a police officer." Police are asking for the community's help locating the man after several officers, an APD K-9 unit, APD Crisis Intervention Unit and APD's drone team were unable to find Valdez. An Illinois State Police air unit also responded to assist, but as of 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Valdez was not located. If anyone sees Valdez, police are asking them not to approach him "because the man is suffering from a mental health crisis." People should instead call 911 if they spot Valdez, police said.