Michigan police gave clearance on Friday for civilian volunteers to help search for missing college student, Brendan Santo.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Santo went to Michigan State University on October 29 and never returned home. Police said Santo is not a student at MSU but has friends who attend. He was last seen a little before midnight Friday leaving Yakely Hall.
On November 5, Brendan’s family announced on a Facebook page for the missing teen that police are allowing volunteers to help search for him.
“The police have asked for you to stay away from the river and river banks as they are still actively searching there,” the post read. “We are in the process of setting up a plan for an organized search however feel free to begin immediately.”
Police found Santo’s car last Saturday after blocking off a portion of a parking lot near the Red Cedar River, which was where he parked it Friday.
“The Red Cedar River is of particular interest just due to the close proximity (to) where Brendan was last seen,” MSU PD Public Information Officer Inspector Chris Rozman said. “That particular search effort is requiring additional resources from MSP’s Marine Services Division.”
Michigan State University says that the Red Cedar River runs two miles through the MSU campus.
“The police have asked for you to stay away from the river and river banks as they are still actively searching there,” a Facebook post read. “We are in the process of setting up a plan for an organized search however feel free to begin immediately.”
The FBI and local law enforcement continue to analyze cellphone and GPS data, but the Michigan State University’s Police and Public Safety announced Thursday that they don’t believe foul play is involved.
Santo stands 5-feet-10-inches tall and weighs around 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, grey joggers, a black t-shirt, and white Converse shoes.
Anyone with information on Santo’s whereabouts should contact 844-99-MSUPD (67873) or email tips@police.msu.edu.
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[Featured Photo: Brendan Santo/”Bring Brendan Home“]