Police are searching for a freshman student that was last seen in downtown Portland
By Beacon Staff
The Portland Police Bureau is continuing its search for missing UP freshman Juan Manuel Garcia, and have verified witness information saying he spent time in the area of the Japanese Gardens Monday afternoon.
Garcia, 18, was last seen on campus on Monday morning at around 10 or 11 o'clock.
The police found some of Garcia's possessions downtown, confirming University staff's worries about his whereabouts.
The police don't expect any kind of foul play, but Garcia might suffer from a medical condition that could endanger him without proper treatment. Also, detectives said they have determined Garcia may have been in a depressed state of mind when he went missing.
Garcia's absence is felt throughout Shipstad Hall, his dorm.
"It's just scary," senior Aaron Baum said. "He was a wing mate, so we all automatically have a bond."
Hall Mass Tuesday took on a somber note, with prayers going out for Garcia and his family.
Shipstad Hall Director Tyler Ochsner said he wants residents to know that the hall staff is there to address student concerns.
"It's uncertain and tough for people to really gather their thoughts when we have little information," he said. Right now the staff is doing whatever it can to help keep hall residents informed.
"It freaked me out," said freshman Greg Matt, Garcia's roommate. Matt, along with much of the wing, has given statements to Public Safety and the police.
"It's so surreal," Matt said.
Hall mates said Garcia, who is from Brookings, Ore., is an avid video game fan. Baum described him as a pretty quiet person, "but not in a bad way. He was just starting to be more open."
He is described as 6 feet 5 inches tall and 165 pounds with short black hair and brown eyes. He has a barbell piercing over his right eyebrow. Anyone with information regarding Garcia is encouraged to call 911.
"I'd just like everyone to be on the lookout for him and keep him in their prayers," said Garcia's sister, Mayra, via Facebook. "We're asking for help from the student body and the community to bring him safely home."
