Cleveland Police and the family of Christopher Patton are continuing their urgent search for the 38-year-old man, who has been missing since the morning of April 6. Patton, who is partially deaf and left home without his hearing aids, was last seen leaving the 17800 block of Delavan Avenue around 8 a.m. Surveillance footage later showed him near East 185th Street and Eastpark Drive at 8:45 a.m., walking west toward Lakeshore Boulevard.
Described by loved ones as a quiet and thoughtful man with a deep love for books and conversation, Patton’s sudden disappearance has shaken his family and community. His mother, Leah Copeland, said it is completely out of character for him to go this long without contact.
“He’s a homebody,” she said. “He stays home, he researches, and the only people he spends time with are his coworkers and family.”
Patton was last seen wearing all black clothing, including a black hoodie. He is approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, bald, has brown eyes, and typically wears glasses and a hat. His sister, Brittany Patton, described him as “easygoing and philosophical,” someone who could talk to anyone and often lifted spirits with his jokes and thoughtful reflections.
Family and friends have organized multiple search efforts, including a gathering of volunteers at Grovewood and East 164th Street, concentrating on six areas near where he was last spotted. His father, Melvin Patton, has been searching every day, distributing flyers and asking the public for help.
“I’m functioning, but mentally I feel like I’m stuck in a nightmare I can’t wake up from,” said Melvin. “What hurts the most is not knowing where he is—and running out of ideas to find him.”
Brittany urged the public to stay alert: “Keep praying, keep looking. He’s my brother, and I’m expecting to see him soon.”
Police are treating Christopher’s disappearance as a case involving a vulnerable adult and urge anyone with information to contact Detective Durbin at 216-623-2579 or the Cleveland Police non-emergency line at 216-621-1234.
“I miss my son. I want my son home,” said Leah. “At least just to know that he’s safe.”