Search underway for endangered adult who went missing after having his phone stolen on a CTA train

CHICAGO (WGN) — A search is underway for an endangered adult who officers say went missing after having his phone stolen on a CTA train on Wednesday morning.

Chicago police say they are currently searching for 29-year-old Neris Garcia who is missing from his home in the 3700 block of West Eastwood Avenue in Albany Park, on the city’s Northwest Side.

Officers said Garcia has not been contacted since around 6 a.m. on Wednesday when he contacted his mother while on a CTA train, using a passenger’s phone, to inform her that his phone had been stolen.

Officers said the passenger encountered Garcia near the Kedzie-Homan CTA stop in Garfield Park and the passenger told officers that Garcia was still on the train when he exited at the Clark-Lake CTA stop in the Loop.

According to police, Garcia, who stands 6 feet tall and weighs around 190 pounds, has black hair and brown eyes.

A photo provided by Chicago police shows the missing man with braids, though it is unclear if he had them at the time of his disappearance.

Additionally, authorities described Garcia as an “endangered missing person,” though it is unclear why officers made that determination.

Officers said Garcia is known to frequent several areas around the city, including the 3300 and 3900 blocks of West Lawrence Avenue in Albany Park, the 5300 and 5200 blocks of North California Avenue in Lincoln Square, the 5200 block of North Campbell Avenue in Lincoln Square and the 4700 block of North Bernard Street in Albany Park.

Authorities shared details about Garcia’s disappearance in a news release shared on Thursday morning.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 29-year-old Neris Garcia is asked to contact the CPD Area Five SVU at 312-746-6554 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.