Terrace Oaks West and Terrace Oaks East Parks Closed for Large Missing Person Search for a 53-year-old Man
Published: May 27, 2026 | Last Updated: May 27, 2026 at 2:15 PM.
2 PM UPDATE: Crews remain on scene searching for Mr. Kapaun at the Terrace Oaks West and East Parks. The Minnesota State Patrol Air Patrol was on scene for a time, helping search near the river, with at least one search party on foot along the trails in the area.
As of right now, we know Burnsville Fire, Burnsville Police, and Dakota County SOT, which consists of various departments, including Eagan Fire, Lakeville Fire, and Apple Valley Fire, are all on scene. Savage Fire and the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office were both on scene. The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) is on scene, providing a cooling and resting area for emergency personnel. The City of Burnsville Public Works is on scene.
We are working to confirm all the agencies assisting with the search and overall operations, and will provide an update once we have more information.
ORIGINAL STORY - BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA - Burnsville Police Department is asking for the public’s help as officers and emergency responders continue searching for a missing 53-year-old man in Burnsville.
Authorities say John Michael Kapaun left his home near the 2000 block of 121st Street at approximately 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and has not returned home. Police say locating him safely and quickly is a priority due to a known medical condition.
As part of the ongoing search effort, authorities closed both Terrace Oaks West Park and Terrace Oaks East Park beginning around 9 a.m. Wednesday morning. Officials say residents should expect a large emergency response presence throughout the area while crews continue searching the parks and surrounding areas.
Kapaun is described as:
5 feet 9 inches tall
Approximately 175 pounds
Brown hair
Gray beard
Brown eyes
He was last seen wearing:
Gray t-shirt
Jeans
Black belt
Black shoes
Press release from the City of Burnsville.
Police say Kapaun does not have access to a cellphone or vehicle and is known to frequently walk in the Terrace Oaks West Park and Black Dog Park areas. Community members may notice an increased public safety presence in and around those locations as search operations continue. At this time, the two Terrace Oaks parks remain closed until further notice while authorities continue their search efforts.
Officials are asking anyone who may have seen Kapaun or who has information regarding his whereabouts to contact Detective Warnemunde at 952-641-1126 or call 911.
Residents are also being asked to avoid the active search areas and allow emergency personnel space to safely conduct operations.
Limitless Media News will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
Location of the two parks that are closed for the missing person search.
Written by: Will Wight
