Police suspect foul play in missing Florida student

Gainesville, FL, United States (4E) – Police, family members and volunteers are searching for a University of Florida student who was reported missing after a dispute with another young man since last week in Gainesville.

According to police, 18-year-old Christian Aguilar disappeared last September 20 after arguing about a girl with another teen-ager who allegedly beat him up.

The unidentified young man reportedly dropped the college freshman off near the campus around 6 p.m. Thursday but searchers aided by helicopters and scent dogs failed to find him, authorities said.

Police are worried that Aguilar is seriously injured and confused, therefore unable to ask for help.

Aguilar’s family arrived from Miami Dade on Friday to join the search.

The father, Carlos Aguilar, said that he is in agony as he knows the longer it takes to find his son, the chances are less for his survival. He also said that his son have no history of running away.

The teen’s father admitted to being quizzed by detectives but refused to comment.

Police have not released any further information about the other young man although he became a “person of interest” after telling investigators of his plans to commit suicide.

Police officer Ben Tobias said Monday that the man was not charged but was committed to psychiatric evaluation.

Family members started distributing and plastering fliers, and is also using Twitter to disseminate information and produce leads. They have also requested a nonprofit search group for additional help.

Joe St. Cyr with Search and Rescue of Central Florida said that they are going to keep searching until the teen is found.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Gainesville Police Department at 352-393-7659.

---

---