TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Deputies in Leon County are searching for a Florida State University student from southwest Miami-Dade County who went missing on Wednesday, authorities said.
Justin Dean Shields, 19, was last seen on the FSU campus in Tallahassee. Leon County sheriff's deputies found Shields' car Friday morning along Old Magnolia Road in Crawfordville about 20 miles from the campus.
His keys, wallet and cellphone were found inside his car, deputies said.
Detectives, K-9 teams and an aviation unit searched the heavily-wooded area near the car Friday, deputies said. Detectives expanded the search Sunday, adding dozens of volunteers and officers from number of other law enforcement agencies.
Authorities also plan to use drones to aid the search.
"There's no foul play that has been suspected, but he's not familiar with the area. There's no logical reason for him to have been out here," said Detective Dave Teems of the Leon County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies described him as 6 feet tall and weighing about 170 pounds. He has blond hair and blue eyes.
Shields' family is in Tallahassee taking part in the search. Shields is a graduate of Coral Reef High School.
"It's out of character. It's out of the ordinary. And we're just shocked at this point," Ashley Shields, Justin's sister, told Local 10.
The family is using social media to get the word out in the hope that someone will spot Shields.
"Justin, I know you're scared. I know you're nervous. You need to tell somebody where you are. You need to ask them for help. Please." Ashley Shields said.
Anyone with information about Shields' whereabouts is asked to call the Leon County Sheriff's Department at 850-606-5800.