Ashish Patel, 37, of Sacramento was last seen September 12, 2024, leaving his home in a state of mental distress. He was reported missing the next day and his phone has been off since the evening of September 12. On September 16 his gray Ford Explorer was found abandoned on a rural road in Manchester State Park in Mendocino County; he had no known connections to that county.

Searches conducted by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by a helicopter and other agencies, did not locate him. A close friend said there are concerns he may have traveled to the coast with the intention of harming himself and that he could be in possession of a firearm, though the friend does not believe he is a danger to others. He is described as 6 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 3 inches tall, 240 to 260 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who saw Patel after September 12, 2024, or who has information about his Ford Explorer or movements into Mendocino County is asked to contact the Sacramento Police Department.