Greensburg police and Westmoreland County detectives were gathering evidence from a car connected to a city man who has been missing since July 29.
The car, a 2002 white Toyota Avalon, was found Saturday hidden off Ridge Road in Donegal Township in a rural area in southeastern Westmoreland County about 15 miles from Greensburg, police said. It was found by a concerned citizen.
Chief Charles Irvin said Monday that investigators still don’t know the location of Ruben Carranza, 36.
Police are asking for help from the public to find him. Carranza was last seen on a license plate reader driving the Toyota around 3:30 a.m. July 29 near Sidney Street in Southwest Greensburg. He has not been heard from since, police said.
The last ping from his cellphone came from a tower near Devil Dog Drive in Mt. Pleasant Township. Police said they have searched for Carranza around Mammoth Park and the surrounding region, including Linn Run State Park and Beam Rocks.
Investigators believe the car was purposely hidden at the Ridge Road, Donegal location around Aug. 5, the day police posted on social media seeking help finding Carranza.
“We believe this timing is no coincidence,” police said in a post on social media Sunday.
Anyone with information can contact police at 724-834-3800. Carranza stands about 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs around 135 pounds. He has brown/black hair, brown eyes, gauges in both earlobes and numerous tattoos.
“Ruben’s family and friends are desperate for answers, and we are increasingly concerned for his safety,” police said.
