Mohammad Ala, a 71-year-old former professor and award-winning documentary film producer, was last seen August 15, 2023 after driving from his brother’s house in Long Beach toward his home in Laguna Beach. He called his sister the afternoon before, August 14, saying he had gotten lost but was on his way back. His cell phone later died and could not be reached.

Investigators traced his phone by cell tower pings that placed him near Anaheim and Downey. At 9:24 a.m. on August 15 a traffic camera captured his gold 2006 Toyota Avalon on Firestone Boulevard near the 605 Freeway; there were no confirmed sightings after that. He is about 125 pounds, with green eyes and white hair, and was last seen wearing denim pants, a gray shirt, and possibly a straw hat. The family has said he may have been suffering from dementia.

No substantial leads have emerged and local authorities and Crime Stoppers are asking for help. If anyone saw Mohammad, his car, or has information about his movements on August 14–15, please share what is known.