COLLEGE PARK, MD — University of Maryland police are looking for a critically missing student who was last seen Friday morning near the Terrapin Trail Garage on the College Park campus. The student, Dilan Ashar, was captured on surveillance video wearing a black University of Maryland hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and white shoes.
University police said Ashar left his residence and was last seen heading toward the garage area. Officers from the University of Maryland Police Department joined Prince George’s County police in the search effort after Ashar’s parents raised concern about his safety.
Police expanded the search after meeting with Ashar’s parents
Campus police said they met with Ashar’s parents on Friday alongside Prince George’s County police. After those conversations, investigators treated the case as urgent and began checking the area where he was last seen.
The university police did not say publicly what led them to classify him as critically missing, but the designation signals concern that a person may be at risk and in need of immediate help. Investigators have continued working with local law enforcement as they try to determine where Ashar went after leaving his residence.
So far, officials have not said whether they have any information suggesting foul play or whether Ashar may have left campus on his own. The search has remained focused on finding him and piecing together his last known movements.
Campus officers searched about 110 acres around the garage
On Sunday, University of Maryland police searched roughly 110 acres near the Terrapin Trail Garage. Despite that wide sweep of the area, officers did not find any sign of Ashar.
The search area suggests investigators were not limiting themselves to the immediate spot where he was last seen. Instead, they examined a large section of campus ground near the garage in hopes of turning up clues about his route or current location.
Police have not released details about what specific parts of the 110 acres were checked or whether additional searches are planned. The absence of any trace in that area has left the investigation focused on surveillance, witness accounts and any new tips from the public.
What investigators know about Ashar’s last known appearance
Authorities said the surveillance video places Ashar near campus on Friday morning, making that footage one of the most important pieces of information in the case. He was described as about 6 feet 2 inches tall and roughly 185 pounds.
Police also released the clothing he was wearing in the video in hopes that someone may recognize him or recall seeing him later in the day. He was last seen wearing the black University of Maryland sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and white shoes.
Those details give investigators and the public a specific time frame and appearance to work with. For now, the video and physical description remain the clearest confirmed leads in the search.
Why the case has drawn attention across campus
The search has unfolded at one of the university’s best-known campus areas, near a parking garage used by students and staff throughout the day. Because Ashar was last seen in that setting, police have encouraged the campus community to stay alert for any information that could help.
Cases involving missing students often move quickly in the first few days because the period immediately after a disappearance can be crucial. In this case, the campus and county response shows investigators are treating every available clue as important.
University police have not announced any public safety warning for the broader campus, but they have made clear that information from witnesses could matter. Even small observations from Friday morning could help establish where Ashar went after he was last seen.
How to contact University of Maryland police with tips
Anyone who may have seen Ashar or has information about his whereabouts is being asked to contact University of Maryland police at 301-405-3555. Officials also said tips can be sent by email.
Police have not disclosed the email address in the information released so far, but they continue to ask for any details that could help locate him. That includes possible sightings, vehicle information or anything unusual around the Terrapin Trail Garage on Friday morning.
Until Ashar is found, the search remains active and investigators are relying on both formal law-enforcement work and public assistance. The university community has been asked to help by sharing only verified information with police.
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