Investigative Update in Critical Missing Student Case

Dear Campus Community,

Since we communicated with you on Sunday about our critical missing student, 22-year-old, Dilan Shaan Ashar, we felt it important to reach out again and provide updates.

First, we are sharing a video from Dilan’s family. We encourage everyone to watch and to share to help get the word out.

As stated by Dilan’s family, he is without his cell phone, wallet, and any identification. We will continue to do our part. But we need your help in continuing to look for Dilan.

Here is a brief investigative update:

• On October 2, in the late evening hours, during the initial video review, our Security Operations Center (SOC) found Dilan on camera at Terrapin Trail Garage (TTG) around 2:30 a.m., on October 2, 2026. Detectives and officers went over to TTG to begin the first search.
• On October 3, at approximately 12 p.m., we utilized our drone to conduct an aerial search in the wooded area near TTG.
• Later that evening on October 3, we conducted a K-9 track of the wooded area around TTG.
• On October 4, in the morning hours, a systematic and methodical search was conducted that covered which consisted of approximately 110 acres in the area of Terrapin Trail Garage. This search consisted of close to 50 first responders and nine dogs.
• Later that afternoon, on October 4, 2026, we used our drone again, searching the area of the university golf course.
• Since the initial report on Friday, October 2, our patrol officers conducted checks of parking garages, wood lines, Lake Artemesia, and nearby parks. These checks have been re-occurring since Friday.

All searches thus far, unfortunately, have yielded no results. We will continue to re-check these areas and more.

As SOC continues to review video footage, we are including two screenshots of Dilan the morning of October 2, outside of TTG. If anyone was in the area at the time or remembers seeing someone in that area that could resemble Dilan, please call us at 301-405-3555. Every bit of information can help.

Helping can be by resharing information and photos on your social media channels. Reviewing your camera footage from your residence and/or from your vehicle. If you own a business, review your camera footage and post the flyer in your establishment. Whatever information you find that might be helpful, please contact us at 301-405-3555 or by email at https://umpd.umd.edu/contact-us/submit-tip

Please help us find Dilan.