Toronto Police have issued a public appeal for assistance in locating a 47-year-old man who has repeatedly walked out of a mental-health facility in the city, marking at least the eighth such incident over the past eight years.
Ongoing Search for Tesfaye Asefa
Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that Tesfaye Asefa is missing and was last seen on Thursday around 5:30 p.m. in the Queen Street West and Ossington Avenue area, which includes the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Police describe him as 5-foot-5 with a medium build, black hair, brown eyes, and a moustache.
He was reportedly wearing a blue zip-up sweater with a white stripe on the sleeve, a blue and white Blue Jays hat, black pants, white and black patterned shoes, and prescription glasses. Investigators have released new photos to aid in the search.
History of Escapes and Legal Background
Asefa has a documented history of leaving the facility without authorization, with past incidents dating back to August 2018. Subsequent escapes occurred in May 2019, January 2020, June 2020, January 2023, and July 2025, among others. In 2011, he was found not criminally responsible for two sexual assaults, leading to a Form 49 warrant of committal issued by the Ontario Review Board.
This warrant commits him to the custody of a provincial psychiatric hospital and imposes specific conditions he must abide by. Police emphasize that he is considered potentially dangerous and should not be approached if spotted.
Public Safety Concerns and Response
In their statement, Toronto Police warned the public to exercise caution. If anyone locates Asefa, they are advised not to approach him and to call 911 immediately. Authorities have provided contact information for tips, including a direct line at 416-808-1400 and an anonymous option through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477.
The repeated escapes raise questions about facility security and patient management, though police focus remains on ensuring public safety and locating the individual promptly. This case underscores ongoing challenges in mental health care and legal oversight for individuals deemed not criminally responsible.
