Dilan Shaan Ashar Missing: Search Continues in Maryland
The search for 22-year-old University of Maryland student Dilan Shaan Ashar is continuing as police release additional surveillance images and ask people in the College Park area to check security-camera footage for possible clues.
The University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) said Ashar is considered a critical missing student. He was last seen on surveillance video at the university’s Terrapin Trail Garage at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026.
Police have now released additional images showing Ashar outside the garage around the time of his last known appearance. Investigators hope the images will help members of the public recognize him or remember seeing him in the area.
What Happened to Dilan Ashar?
According to UMPD, Ashar left his residence at about 2 a.m. on October 2. At the time, he was wearing a black University of Maryland hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and white shoes.
He is approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 185 pounds. Police say he has dark hair.
Ashar’s parents had last communicated with him at around 6 p.m. Thursday, October 1. When they arrived at his residence the following morning and found that he was not there, they contacted authorities because they were concerned about his safety.
The investigation later identified surveillance footage showing Ashar at the Terrapin Trail Garage.
Police Conduct Large Search
Authorities have been searching multiple areas around the University of Maryland campus and College Park.
On October 3, police used a drone to search wooded areas near the Terrapin Trail Garage. A K-9 search was also conducted later that day.
The following morning, October 4, investigators carried out a much larger operation covering approximately 110 acres around the garage. UMPD said the operation involved nearly 50 first responders and nine dogs. Police also used a drone to search around the university golf course.
Officers have additionally checked parking garages, wooded areas, Lake Artemesia and nearby parks. So far, police say those searches have not produced a result that has located Ashar.
Family Releases Emotional Video Message
As the search continues, Ashar’s family has also made a public appeal for help.
UMPD shared a video message from his parents and encouraged the community to watch and share it. His family said Ashar is believed to be without his cellphone, wallet and identification, making the search especially urgent.
His mother made a direct appeal to her son, saying that the family loves him and wants him home. She also asked people living or working around College Park to review their security-camera recordings.
Police are particularly asking residents and businesses to check doorbell cameras, vehicle cameras and business surveillance footage from the early morning hours of October 2 and afterward. Even footage that initially appears unrelated could potentially help investigators establish Ashar’s movements.
Police Ask Public to Check Cameras
UMPD says community members can play an important role in the investigation.
Anyone who lives near the University of Maryland campus or traveled through College Park during the early morning hours is being encouraged to review available camera footage. Business owners are also being asked to check their surveillance systems and share information that could help investigators.
Police have emphasized that even a small detail could be useful in determining where Ashar went after he was last captured on camera.
The department is continuing to review surveillance footage as investigators work to establish a clearer timeline of Ashar’s movements.
How to Report Information
Anyone who may have seen Dilan Shaan Ashar or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the University of Maryland Police Department at 301-405-3555.
People who want to remain anonymous can also submit information through UMPD’s online tip system.
The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to ask the public to share Ashar’s photographs and missing-person information.
For now, the central question remains unanswered: where did Dilan Ashar go after he was seen at the Terrapin Trail Garage around 2:30 a.m.? Police and his family are hoping that newly released surveillance images and information from the public will provide the next important lead.