Phoenix, January 16, 2026
Authorities in Phoenix, Arizona, have issued a SAFE Alert for 83-year-old John Cottrell Watts, who was last seen walking near North 27th Avenue and West Ocotillo. Due to his medical condition, he may become easily confused and is in danger. The public is urged to help locate him. Anyone with information should contact the Phoenix Police Department immediately.
Phoenix, Arizona – Urgent Search Underway for Missing 83-Year-Old Man
Authorities in Arizona have issued a SAFE Alert for 83-year-old John Cottrell Watts, who was last seen Thursday afternoon in Phoenix. The public is urgently asked to assist in locating Mr. Watts, whose medical condition may cause him to become lost or easily confused.
Description and Last Known Location
John Cottrell Watts is described as a Black male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 190 pounds, with brown eyes and gray hair. When he was last seen at approximately 2:35 P.M. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, he was wearing a black, white, and brown striped hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black shoes. Mr. Watts was last observed on foot near the intersection of North 27th Avenue and West Ocotillo in Phoenix. Due to a medical condition, he is considered to be in danger as he may easily become disoriented.
Call for Public Assistance
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of John Cottrell Watts is encouraged to immediately contact the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6151 or call 911. Every detail, no matter how small, could be crucial in ensuring his safe return.
Understanding Arizona’s SAFE Alert System
The SAFE Alert system is a statewide initiative in Arizona designed to quickly disseminate information about missing vulnerable individuals to the public. This system, which replaced the previous Silver Alert program on September 26, 2025, aims to improve the state’s ability to locate and safely recover missing persons. The goal of the SAFE Alert is to locate the missing person when the SAFE Alert criteria are met through efficient information dissemination and communication that results in safe and expedient recovery.
Criteria for Issuing a SAFE Alert (State-level)
A SAFE Alert is issued in Arizona when specific criteria are met, ensuring that alerts are reserved for the most critical cases. These criteria include:
- The missing person is 65 years of age or older, or has been diagnosed with a developmental disability, cognitive disability, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia.
- The investigating law enforcement agency has exhausted all available local resources, such as checking alternate residences, hospitals, jails, and utilizing cell phone and in-vehicle location systems.
- The person went missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances.
- The missing person is believed to be in danger due to factors like age, health, mental or physical disability, environmental conditions, or other risk factors indicating peril.
- There is sufficient information available that, if shared publicly, could assist in their safe recovery.
How SAFE Alerts are Disseminated (State-level)
Once a SAFE Alert is activated, the information is broadcast through various channels across Arizona to maximize public reach:
- Emergency Alert System (EAS): Utilizes a generic FEMA coding sent to Arizona broadcasters, who may interrupt normal programming.
- Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Vehicle Messaging System (VMS) Boards: Information may be displayed on highway message boards, particularly if the missing person is believed to be in a vehicle.
- All Points Bulletins (APB): Regular broadcasts are sent to law enforcement agencies statewide.
- AZDPS Alerts Website and Mobile Application: Details are posted on the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s official website and through their mobile app.
- Social Media Channels: Information is shared on platforms like Facebook and Twitter/X.
- Text and Email Notifications: Subscribers may receive alerts directly.
The Broader Alert System in Arizona (State-level)
Arizona utilizes a comprehensive alert system to address various missing person and public safety scenarios, each with specific activation criteria.
AMBER Alerts (State-level)
These alerts are activated in the most serious child-abduction cases, aiming to galvanize the community to assist in the search for and safe recovery of a missing child. They are broadcast through radio, TV, road signs, cellphones, and other data-enabled devices.
Turquoise Alerts (State-level)
An Arizona Turquoise Alert is issued when a report of a missing endangered person, including tribal members, under the age of 65, meets specific activation criteria.
Blue Alerts (State-level)
A Blue Alert is activated when a suspect is at large and is suspected of killing or injuring a law enforcement official and poses a threat to the public or law enforcement community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Missing Persons and Alerts
- What is a SAFE Alert in Arizona?
- A SAFE Alert in Arizona is a statewide system designed to quickly disseminate information about missing vulnerable individuals, specifically those 65 years of age or older, or individuals with a developmental disability, cognitive disability, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia, who are missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances and are believed to be in danger. It replaced the Silver Alert system on September 26, 2025.
- Who is John Cottrell Watts?
- John Cottrell Watts is an 83-year-old Black male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 190 pounds, with brown eyes and gray hair, who is currently missing from Phoenix, Arizona. A SAFE Alert has been issued for him.
- When and where was John Cottrell Watts last seen?
- John Cottrell Watts was last seen on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at approximately 2:35 P.M., near North 27th Avenue and West Ocotillo in Phoenix, Arizona. He was on foot and wearing a black, white, and brown striped hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black shoes.
- What should I do if I see John Cottrell Watts or have information?
- If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of John Cottrell Watts, you should immediately contact the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6151 or call 911.
- What are the primary criteria for issuing a SAFE Alert in Arizona?
- The primary criteria for issuing a SAFE Alert in Arizona are: the missing person is 65 years or older or has a qualifying cognitive/developmental disability; law enforcement has exhausted local resources; the disappearance is unexplained or suspicious; the person is believed to be in danger; and there is sufficient public information to aid in recovery.
Key Features of Arizona’s Alert Systems (State-level)
| Alert Type | Primary Purpose | Targeted Individuals | Activation Criteria Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAFE Alert | Locate missing vulnerable adults safely and expediently. | Individuals 65 years or older, or with developmental/cognitive disabilities, Alzheimer’s, or dementia. | Missing under unexplained/suspicious circumstances, believed to be in danger, law enforcement resources exhausted. |
| AMBER Alert | Aid in the search and safe recovery of abducted children. | Children who have been abducted. | Most serious child-abduction cases. |
| Turquoise Alert | Locate missing endangered persons. | Missing endangered persons, including tribal members, under the age of 65. | Specific activation criteria must be met. |
| Blue Alert | Notify public of dangerous suspects. | Suspects who have killed or injured a law enforcement official and pose a threat. | Suspect at large, poses threat to public or law enforcement. |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
