COLLEGE PARK, MD — Concerns are growing as police continue searching for University of Maryland student Dilan Shaan Ashar, who has not been seen since the early hours of Friday, Oct. 2. University of Maryland police say the 22-year-old was last captured on surveillance video near the Terrapin Trail Garage on campus at about 2:30 a.m.
Investigators have released new images of Ashar as they ask for the public’s help. Police described the case as a critical missing-person investigation and said they are treating the search with urgency while working to learn what happened after he was last seen.
What police say about Ashar’s last known movements
University of Maryland police said Ashar was last seen on video at the campus garage before he disappeared from view. Officers have not said where he was heading or what, if anything, happened after the surveillance footage was taken.
The search has included K-9 units and drones, according to police, but those efforts have not turned up additional signs of him. Authorities have continued to circulate his photo and description in hopes that someone may recognize him or remember seeing him early Friday morning.
Ashar is described as about 6 feet, 2 inches tall with dark hair. Police said he was wearing a black University of Maryland sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and white shoes when he was last seen.
Family says he left without his cellphone, wallet or ID
Ashar’s family said he did not have his cellphone, wallet or any identification with him. That detail has added to concern among relatives and investigators as the search continues on and around the College Park campus.
Police have not said whether Ashar had planned to meet anyone or travel off campus. For now, investigators are urging anyone who may have seen him to come forward with even small details that could help narrow the timeline.
The family has joined police in trying to spread awareness quickly, hoping that cameras, witnesses or a recent sighting will provide a useful lead.
Police ask nearby residents and businesses to review video
In a video shared by police, Ashar’s mother asked people who live or work near College Park to check doorbell cameras, car cameras and business security footage from early Friday morning and later. She also urged business owners to post the missing-person flyer on storefronts.
Investigators are asking the public to pay special attention to any footage that might show Ashar after 2:30 a.m. or any vehicles or people near the Terrapin Trail Garage around that time. Police say those records could help establish where he went next.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact University of Maryland police at 301-405-3555.
New images aim to help the public identify the 22-year-old
Police released updated images of Ashar as part of the broader search effort. The pictures are intended to help neighbors, students and campus staff match his appearance to anyone they may have seen in the area.
Authorities say the case remains active, and they are continuing to gather tips while checking possible leads. The public appeal reflects how few answers investigators have publicly shared so far about where Ashar may have gone after leaving the garage area.
For family members, the effort has become deeply personal. Ashar’s mother said in a message shared by police, “Dilan, we love you so much and we hope you are safe. We want you home.”
A critical missing-person case centered on a campus search
University of Maryland police are continuing to treat the disappearance as a critical missing-person case. That designation underscores the seriousness of the situation as the search enters another day without confirmed sightings.
So far, investigators have said only that Ashar was last seen early Friday and that the area search did not produce further evidence. The focus now is on public tips, video checks and any witness who may have crossed paths with him near campus or elsewhere in College Park.
Police have not released any additional details about his condition or whereabouts and are asking anyone with information to call immediately.
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