A senior at River Forest High School, 18-year-old Rodrigo “Rico” Montes, has been reported missing following the discovery of an overturned truck in the Deep River in Lake Station, Indiana. Authorities and family members are increasingly concerned as the search for the young man continues.
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On the morning of 23 March, around 4:20 a.m., local police responded to an emergency call reporting a vehicle submerged in the river at the intersection of 27th Avenue and Wyoming Street. The Lake Station Police Department confirmed that efforts were initiated to locate a male believed to have been inside the vehicle, later identified as Montes.
In a statement about the situation, the Hobart Fire Department, which was involved in the coordinated search efforts, described their operation as extensive and challenging, involving multiple agencies. Despite the urgent search, information remains scant regarding Montes’ whereabouts.
Rodrigo was last seen on the evening of 22 March at a social gathering, his family reported. According to his brother, Adolfo Montes, Rico had attended a cookout and had asked a friend for a lift home. “He was going to go home, and he never made it back,” Adolfo said. Approximately a few hours after the cookout, the truck was discovered, raising immediate concerns for the teen’s safety.
The search for Rico has continued for several days, with family and friends expressing their deep worry over his disappearance. Adolfo spoke to the media about the emotional strain of not knowing where his brother might be. “He could be anywhere. He could be walking somewhere. He could be in the water. He could be out unconscious,” he stated, expressing a desperate hope to find out what has happened to his brother.
On the following day, search efforts intensified as police helicopters surveyed the area from the sky while search dogs scoured the riverside for any signs of the missing teen. Reports from local news outlets suggest that the community is rallying together to support the search, with numerous local volunteers showing their willingness to assist.
Rico is described as Latino, standing at approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. When last seen, he was wearing a red hoodie, black jeans, and distinctive white and gold shoes. This detailed description has been circulated widely, hoping to generate leads in the ongoing investigation.
Those with any information regarding Rodrigo Montes and his potential whereabouts are urged to contact the Lake Station Police Department. They can be reached via email at speek@lakestation-in.gov. The community remains vigilant, hoping for answers in the perplexing and distressing case of the missing teenager.
As the days go by, the desperation felt by family and friends grows. The situation serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional turmoil that accompanies such disappearances, and the urgent need in the community to bring Rico home.