Concern for Missing 80-Year-Old Man from Virginia – Now Located Safe

UPDATE: Authorities have confirmed that Michael Christensen, the 80-year-old man reported missing earlier this week, has been located safe and unharmed. The Montgomery County Department of Police thanked the public for their assistance and concern.

Earlier Report: Search for Missing Senior in Bethesda Area

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department – 2nd District Investigative Section had issued a public appeal on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, for help locating Michael Christensen, an 80-year-old man from Virginia who was reported missing after being last seen in Bethesda, Maryland.

Christensen was last spotted around 11 a.m. near St. Elmo Avenue, a busy area in downtown Bethesda. His unexpected disappearance raised concern among family members and local authorities, prompting an urgent search effort.

At the time of his disappearance, Christensen was described as:

Height: 5 feet, 8 inches
Weight: 174 pounds
Hair: Gray
Clothing: Blue polo shirt, blue jeans, and white/black sneakers

Authorities also believed he may have been driving a light green 2019 Toyota Prius with Virginia license plate TMJ3595.

Public Appeal and Search Efforts

As part of the search effort, the Montgomery County Police released Christensen’s photo and vehicle description to the public and media outlets, asking anyone who might have seen him or his vehicle to come forward. Given his age and potential medical needs, there was heightened concern for his well-being.

The department encouraged anyone with information to call the 24-hour non-emergency line at (301) 279-8000, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in locating vulnerable individuals.

Resolution and Acknowledgment

Following the public alert and ongoing investigative work, Christensen was safely located. Officials did not disclose further details about where or how he was found but confirmed that he was unharmed and reunited with family.

The Montgomery County Police Department expressed appreciation to everyone who shared the alert or contacted authorities with possible leads.

A Reminder on Missing Senior Safety

This case highlights the importance of acting quickly when seniors go missing, especially those who may have underlying medical conditions or cognitive impairments. Community awareness and swift public communication often play a critical role in successful outcomes.

Family members and caregivers are encouraged to ensure that at-risk individuals carry identification, medical information, and, when possible, GPS-enabled devices. Local police departments can also assist families with safety programs or registry services for individuals prone to wandering.

For future updates or to report missing persons in Montgomery County, contact the Montgomery County Police Department’s non-emergency line at (301) 279-8000.