Family pleads for safe return of missing University of Maryland student

Concerns are growing in the search for a missing University of Maryland student who has not been seen since the early morning hours of Friday, Oct. 2.

University of Maryland police released new images of 22-year-old Dilan Shaan Ashar, who was last seen on surveillance video at the Terrapin Trail Garage on campus around 2:30 a.m.

Ashar is described as about 6 feet, 2 inches tall with dark hair. He was last seen wearing a black University of Maryland sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and white shoes.

Police call case "critical"

University of Maryland police said they conducted a search of the area with K-9 units and drones but have not found any additional signs of Ashar.

Police are calling the case a critical missing-person investigation and are asking the public for help finding him.

Ashar's family said he does not have his cellphone, wallet or any identification with him.

"If you live or work near College Park, please check your doorbell, car and business cameras from early Friday morning and onward," Ashar's mother pleaded in a video shared by police.

"Business owners, please post the missing person's flyer on your storefront. If anyone has seen Dilan, please call the University of Maryland police at 301-405-3555."

The garage is located on the north side of the campus near the athletic facilities. It backs up to the university's facilities management area and woods. He was last seen walking across a bridge near the garage.

Investigators said they conducted a "methodical search" which covered approximately 110 acres near the garage. The drone has been used to not only search the wooded area, but also the university's golf course.

Officers have done routine patrols near parking garages, wood lines, Lake Artemesia, and nearby parks, according to police. The searches have yielded no leads.

"We want you home"

Ashar's mother also made a direct plea to her son.

"Dilan, we love you so much and we hope you are safe. We want you home."

Students concerned about search

Students who park in the garage told WJZ they've never heard of a student missing for this long.

"I was definitely shocked because it doesn't happen much around here. At first I was like maybe he is on a bender and he will turn up in a day or two, and then more days past and it got serious," Yahleel Raya, a senior at the university, said.

"I was hoping that he would be found and it would be like that. But now that it seems to have exploded into this big thing," Ateeh Tazi, a senior at UMD, added. "It's actually kind of worrying because it's the first time I'm hearing about something like this happening."

Despite the search, students said they feel safe on the public campus, but are taking additional safety measures.

"I always make sure I look over my shoulder, always have my keys out," Tazi said.

"Just the basics like some people have my location or letting people know where I'm going so they know where I'm supposed to be," Raya continued.