Nowlien M. Ortiz, 28, was last seen walking in Tacoma, Washington, on January 23, 2025, and has not been heard from since mid-December 2024. He is of Hawaiian or Pacific Islander descent, about five feet eleven inches tall, 200 to 230 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair in a buzz cut. He had been living a transient lifestyle and his encampment location was unknown when he disappeared.

Ortiz’s phone no longer accepts calls, he has not accessed state-provided funds, and he missed a scheduled court date that led to an arrest warrant. He has numerous distinctive tattoos — including Kamila and Eli on his left forearm, a devil lady on his left thigh, Tori Lynn on his right wrist, a rose on the right side of his neck, a crow feather on the back of his neck, and a one-eyed cat on his left knee — and was often seen wearing a tan Carhartt cap. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is investigating and his description and photos have been circulated by the Washington State Patrol’s missing persons unit.

If anyone in Tacoma or the surrounding area saw Ortiz, knew where he camped, or has information about his movements after December 2024, please contact the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.