The family of 16-year-old Luis Tario and Gastonia Police detectives are seeking public assistance to locate him after he went missing on Oct. 31. An anonymous donor is offering a $5,000 reward for information.
Since Luis Tario left home in a 2017 Nissan SUV and the vehicle has not been spotted on cameras anywhere in the southeastern United States.
Luis Tario’s family believes he left home during a mental health crisis, heightening concerns for his safety. He wrote messages to his family indicating sadness and said he was headed somewhere rural nearby.
The Gastonia Police Department released new photos of Luis Tario on Wednesday, hoping someone might recognize him.
He is 6-foot-1 and weighs 200 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair. He was wearing a gray T-shirt with black sweatpants.
The Belmont Police Department has donated space on a Highway 74 digital billboard in Cramerton to aid in the search.
Anyone who sees the vehicle, a dark gray 2017 Nissan Rogue SUV with NC tag 3CH33RS, is urged to call the authorities immediately.
‘It’s so painful’
Police have been searching for the SUV utilizing cameras across the country.
“We have access to about 6,000 cameras that we can run this plate through,” said Assistant Chief Nancy Brogden, Gastonia Police Department.
They have turned up nothing, which is unusual.
That concerns family members more.
“The leads have dried up and it’s been already so long,” said his sister, Nataly Tario.
They are thrilled for the billboard and the anonymous donation.
“Just take some time and help me bring my son back. It’s so hard. It’s so painful,” said his mother, Evelyn Tario.
They got another tip Wednesday afternoon and hope it will be something police can use.
All other tips have come up empty.
“One of those is going to end up being my son,” said his father, Alfredo Tario.
They hope he is home in time for Christmas.
“It would mean the world,” the father said. “It would mean that we are complete again.”
Detective D. Whitlock is the contact for any information regarding Luis Tario’s whereabouts, and can be reached at 704-866-6702.
VIDEO: Donations drop for Gaston County charities, toy drive impacted
This browser does not support the video element.