IOWA CITY, Iowa — More information about the search for 20-year-old Cristian Martinez of Muscatine was released by the City of Iowa City on Wednesday.
Officials published the updates in a Twitter thread on the city's official account.
Martinez's last known has been narrowed down to the 100 block of W. Harrison Street at about 12:56 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, and police note that this direction would send him toward the Iowa River, which could pose a significant safety risk.
Tips submitted by Martinez's family and the public have helped the investigation. Armed with tips and leads developed from the investigation, authorities have undergone the following search and rescue efforts:
- A ground search of Ralston Creek and the Iowa River south of Burlington Street Bridge near the Fire Department
- Multiple searches of the general area near Martinez's last sighting, including the railroad tracks and the Iowa River shoreline
- A review of his bank account and cellphone activity
- Surveillance video from the City, the University of Iowa, Johnson County and private sources
- Video drone sweeps across the general area
- Reducing the outflow of the Coralville Reservoir to aid in the river search
- Boat searches on the Iowa River
A GoFundMe has been set up by a member of Martinez's extended family with a goal of $20,000 to help the family pay for search resources and any further related expenses. As of this publishing, just over $10,000 has been donated.
The GoFundMe can be accessed by clicking/tapping here.
ICPD investigators remain in close contact with Martinez's family. Police strongly encourage anyone with information on Martinez's whereabouts to contact the department at 319-356-5275.
Original story
A Muscatine man has been missing in Iowa City for about two days, according to a news release from Iowa City Public Safety.
The release was published on ICPS's Facebook page on Sunday and later shared by the Muscatine Police Department.
Authorities say that 20-year-old Cristian Martinez of Muscatine was reported missing to police on Saturday, April 15 after he was last seen early that morning.
ICPS's latest update places Martinez's last known location in the area of Harrison Street around 12:56 a.m. He was previously seen in an alley behind Bardot Iowa at 347 Gilbert Street.
According to Martinez's loved ones, his phone died earlier in the evening and they have been unable to reach him.
Anyone with information on Martinez's whereabouts is asked to contact Iowa City Public Safety at 319-356-5275.
Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8's YouTube channel