Justin Christopher Blanco, a 26-year-old Hispanic man, was last seen in Needles, California on August 9, 2020. He may have been driving from Arizona to his home in Lancaster, California. Blanco is described as 6 feet 0 inches to 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing about 280 to 300 pounds, with brown hair (possibly long and curly) and brown eyes. Distinguishing features include gauged ear piercings, a left upper-arm tattoo of a skull with headphones and roses, and three quarter-sized dots on the inside of his right wrist. He may have been wearing plaid shorts and Nike sandals when last seen.

On August 21, 2020, Blanco’s black Crown Victoria was found abandoned in the desert near Harper Dry Lake behind a power plant in Hinkley, California. The vehicle contained his cell phone, wallet with cash, and clothes; the keys were in the ignition and the car had fuel and was operable. Investigators describe the circumstances as suspicious because his car and possessions were left behind, and some agencies list his last seen location as San Bernardino, California. The Barstow and San Bernardino Sheriff’s Departments are investigating and the case remains unsolved.

If anyone saw Justin or his car in early August 2020, or has information about his movements between Needles and Hinkley, please come forward.