Missing College Student Found Safe After Days of Searching

A 22-year-old University of Maryland student who disappeared earlier this month has been found safe and reunited with his family after an extensive search involving police, drones, search dogs and members of the local community.

A Student Suddenly Disappeared

Dilan Shaan Ashar was last seen in the early hours of October 2 after leaving his residence. Surveillance footage later showed him at the Terrapin Trail Garage on the University of Maryland campus at around 2:30 a.m.

His family became increasingly worried because he did not have his cellphone, wallet or identification with him.

His Family Made an Emotional Plea

As the search continued, Ashar’s family turned to the public for help. His mother released an emotional video asking people to look at security footage and report anything that could help investigators locate her son.

The appeal spread across social media and the surrounding community as police continued searching for clues.

Search Teams Covered More Than 110 Acres

University police and local law enforcement conducted a large-scale search around the campus. Investigators used drones, police dogs and dozens of personnel while checking wooded areas, parking garages, nearby parks and other locations.

At one point, a systematic search covered approximately 110 acres around the area where Ashar had last been seen.

The Search Ends With Good News

After several days of uncertainty, the University of Maryland Police Department announced that Ashar had been found and reunited with his family.

The university did not immediately release details about where or how he was located. A news conference for media was scheduled as authorities continued to handle the case.

A Community That Refused to Stop Looking

Ashar’s disappearance had drawn widespread attention after his family asked the public to help search for him. University officials thanked police officers, students, community members and everyone who shared information during the search.

For his family, the announcement that he was safe brought an end to several days of fear and uncertainty.

Source: University of Maryland Police Department; CBS Baltimore; The Washington Post.