Todd Pinion, 34, last seen in Atascadero; authorities urge public to share verified information only as search efforts continue

ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in locating Todd Joseph Pinion, a 34-year-old who was last seen on Tuesday, Oct. 22, in Atascadero.

Pinion is 5’10” and weighs approximately 115 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. Todd has a dream catcher tattoo on his right shoulder, a tattoo of a fox with a sunflower, octopus tentacles on his right bicep, a tattoo of a strawberry/clock on his left wrist and a tattoo of a moon with clouds on his left shoulder. He is known to wear numerous rings and bracelets on both arms and has recently been known to wear a red and black fox mask.

According to APD, Pinion was last seen in Atascadero on Oct. 22; however, he was active on social media the morning of the 23rd. Pinion frequents South County and was reportedly staying in the Nipomo area, however, recently he has been staying with different friends in different locations.   

Yesterday, Pinion’s dog was found deceased on Highway 101 near the Cuesta Grade. The CHP helicopter searched the area and was unable to locate Pinion.

The Atascadero Police Department is working with allied agencies in the search. Community members are urged to email or call if they have any information, no matter how small, as it may help lead to Pinion’s safe return.

Please contact Detective Sergeant Kellye Netz at knetz@atascadero.org or (805) 461-5051.

APD asks the public to refrain from sharing unverified information on social media, as it may hinder their investigation. APD will provide updates as new information becomes available.

The Atascadero Police Department would like to thank the community for their support and cooperation as they work toward Pinion’s safe recovery.

The attached photos were obtained through Pinion’s social media page.