Search continues for missing Arizona couple

MARICOPA, Ariz. --Police, family and volunteers are continuing the search for a missing married couple who vanished from their Maricopa, Ariz. home Monday, reports CBS affiliate KPHO.

Michael Careccia, 44, and his wife Tina, 42, reportedly left their home in an unincorporated area of Maricopa, in Pinal County south of Phoenix, around 5 a.m. Monday. They were heading to work, but never showed up.

Luke Careccia, Michael's 17-year-old son, told Azcentral.com he called 911 around 7 p.m. that day to report his father and stepmother missing. Careccia told the site his father is a pilot with United Airlines and his stepmother is an accountant.

About three hours later, their 2008 Honda Accord was discovered abandoned in Maricopa not far from their home. It was reportedly covered in dirt.

Family friend Rita Hernandez told AZCentral.com that seemed odd because the couple hardly ever went out into the desert and always kept their car clean.

"They wouldn't just vanish and leave," Hernandez said.

Volunteer search teams are combing the remote area in the search for the couple, reportedly on foot, in vehicles and by air with drones. The search efforts are also expanding to social media. The "Help us find Tina and Mike" Facebook page had garnered more than 7,000 "likes" by Thursday.

Luke Careccia reportedly said the two are "all around great people who are dedicated to their family."

Michael is described as white, 5 feet, 10 inches tall, 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Tina is described as white, 5 feet, 8 inches tall, 140 pounds, with blond hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on the couple's whereabouts should contact the Pinal County Sheriff's Office at 520-866-5111.