Michael Goldsmith, 68, who has been diagnosed with dementia, was found safe around 3 p.m. in the area of Live Oak Avenue by officers searching the greater Santa Cruz city area.
Goldsmith had been reported missing after last being seen at about 11:45 a.m. when he was seen walking away from a church in the 100 block of Morrissey Avenue, according to police.
Authorities released an alert about Goldsmith at 2:50 p.m., and within minutes, multiple calls came in with tips about his whereabouts, police said.