Police in Florida said that a 23-year-old man who vanished on June 10 was last seen at a Publix grocery store.
Elias Quentin Ladd, a Tennessee resident, was visiting his brother in Haines City when he was last seen before 10 a.m. on Monday, according to the Haines City Police Department. His brother reported him missing on Tuesday evening.
Ladd “is considered to be endangered,” police said.
The missing man’s 2011 white Nissan Altima was located by deputies after 9 p.m. on Tuesday in orange groves in Babson Park.
“Sheriff’s Office air and K-9 units and Polk Correctional Institute bloodhounds were deployed to the area, but Ladd could not be located. Police and family members attempted to reach Ladd on his cellphone, but to no avail,” the department added.
Ladd was described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing about 5 feet 11 inches and weighing about 160 pounds.
He was last seen wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans.
Law enforcement is looking for anyone in the aforementioned areas of Haines City Publix on Monday or the orange groves in Babson Park on Tuesday evening and may have information. Anyone with information was asked to call the Haines City Police Department at 863-421-3636, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200, or 911.
According to his Facebook page, Ladd lives in Knoxville and enjoys outdoor activities including hiking.
“I believe we can create technology that keeps our ocean marine life safe. I believe we can adapt to paper alternatives to prevent the destruction of all trees. I believe we can create medicine that will prolong the Human life span. I believe we can venture out into the stars, and colonize the moon, Mars, and the asteroid belt,” he wrote.
Ladd said he meets many people “who are clouded by society[‘s] views.”
“They see other people perspectives, rather than creating their own. They drift through life listening and believing only the opinions of others. They do not question or think, and only become a slave to themselves. They drag themselves day by day to work, and back home for the same routine. Life becomes this shell, where you live in a box of your own creation. You create that box you live in. You are the creator of your own life,” he added.
“If you can dream it, you can achieve it as your box is only limited by your own self-restraining thoughts. There isn’t anything that can stop you from fulfilling any goals or dreams you have. Everything is a systematic process in order to achieve your dreams of success. You have to think of the next step to get you to where you are going.”
Reactions
Facebook users responding to law enforcement’s request for help finding Ladd said they hope he is found.
“I hope he is ok,” said one.
“Prayers that he is found safe,” said another.
“May they find him safe and sound!!!!” said another.
“What could have happened? That’s why wherever your at..look around to your surroundings and who’s around your car, in front of store, etc..u got to be ur own bodyguard,” added another.
“I hope he’s found safe and sound. Can’t imagine what his family is going through. I’ll be on the look out!” said another.
Some users said people who lived near the orange groves had seen helicopters and search-and-rescue teams in the area.
