The FBI and local police are now searching for Brian Laundrie. He is considered a person of interest in the investigation of his missing fiancé. 22-year-old Gabby Petito went missing last month while the two were on a cross-country trip.
Laundrie’s family contacted the FBI on Friday to tell them they had not seen the 23-year-old since Tuesday.
“For six days, the North Port Police Department and the FBI have been pleading with the family to contact investigators regarding Brian’s Fiancé Gabby Petito,” North Port police said in a statement. “Friday is the first time they have spoken with investigators in detail.”
The department expressed understanding for the community’s frustration in the statement, saying they are frustrated too. Laundrie is not wanted for a crime, but police are now working the case as a “multiple missing person” investigation.
CNN reports that officials are now looking for Laundrie in a county park located in Sarasota County. They are focusing the search on the Carlton Reserve, where his family believes he went earlier this week.
“His family says they believe he entered the area earlier this week,” the department said Saturday. “More details when available.”
Petito’s family reported her missing last Saturday after they had not spoken to her since late August. Laundrie had driven their Ford Transit van back to Florida alone and arrived in North Port on September 1. Laundrie has not been cooperative during the investigation.
