‘He Loves to Fish’: Search Continues for Missing Tempe Grandfather

iSkyNews and Media January 05, 2026

Missing Person Apolonio Romero / Tempe Police Department

By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent

iSkyNews.com (ISC News) – Published January 5th, 2026

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Beloved Tempe Man Missing; Community and Police Searching for 91-Year-Old

Tempe, AZ - Tempe Police Department are asking the public for help as the search continues for 91-year-old Apolonio Romero, a long-time Tempe resident who went missing Friday evening. Romero has dementia and type 2 diabetes, and his family says they are deeply worried about his well-being.

Romero was last seen on January 2 between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the area of Scottsdale and Curry Roads. Additional information suggests he may also have been near Weber Drive and Miller Road around that time. When he did not return home, loved ones quickly became concerned and contacted police.

Described as kind and familiar to many in the area, Romero is known to enjoy spending time outdoors, especially fishing. On Friday, search efforts focused on a park near Hayden and McKellips Roads — a location police say Romero is known to visit. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is assisting with search efforts.

Romero is a Hispanic man, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing about 140 pounds. He has gray hair and was last seen wearing a denim jacket. Due to his medical conditions, police say finding him quickly is critical.

Tempe Police are urging anyone who may have seen Romero, or who has any information at all, to come forward. Even the smallest detail could help bring him home safely.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tempe Police Department immediately at 480-350-8311.

Stay with iSkyNews.com for continued updates as this search continues.