University of Maryland police released new images of Dilan Shaan Ashar on October 6, 2026, as the search for the 22-year-old student continued. Police said they have not found additional signs of him after searching with K-9 units and drones.
Ashar was last seen on surveillance video at the Terrapin Trail Garage around 2:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 2. He had not been seen since the early morning hours that day, and his family said he does not have his cellphone, wallet or any identification with him.
Terrapin Trail Garage search
Police called the case a critical missing-person investigation and asked people near College Park to check cameras from early Friday morning onward. Ashar's mother said, "If you live or work near College Park, please check your doorbell, car and business cameras from early Friday morning and onward," and asked business owners to post the missing person's flyer on their storefront.
She also said, "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 images police released add a fresh public look at the search, but they have not yet produced a new lead.
College Park cameras
Ashar was last seen wearing a black University of Maryland sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and white shoes. Police also described him as about 6 feet, 2 inches tall with dark hair. Those details give neighbors and business owners a narrower window to review footage from the hours before and after 2:30 a.m.
The most urgent next step now sits with people in College Park who may have cameras aimed at driveways, storefronts or parking areas from early Friday morning onward. The case turns on whether any of that footage shows where Ashar went after leaving the garage.
University of Maryland police
Ashar's mother ended the video message with a direct appeal: "Dilan, we love you so much and we hope you are safe. We want you home." Police have broadened the search with new images and equipment, but the unanswered question remains where he went after being seen at the garage around 2:30 a.m.
