The University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) is asking for the community’s help in finding critical missing University of Maryland (UMD) student, 22-year-old, Dilan Shaan Ashar.
On October 2, 2026, at approximately 2 a.m., Dilan was leaving his residence. He was last seen wearing a black University of Maryland hooded sweatshirt, grey sweatpants, and white shoes.
He was last seen on camera on October 2, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., at Terrapin Trail Garage, on the University of Maryland campus. Dilan is approximately 6’02” tall and weighs approximately 185 pounds.
If anyone has information about his whereabouts or information that would be helpful for police, please call UMPD at 301-405-3555. People wishing to remain anonymous may email https://umpd.umd.edu/contact-us/submit-tip
Photos of Dilan, to include the most recent photo of what Dilan was wearing last, can be found here.
Initial Report
On October 2, 2026, at approximately 9:23 a.m., UMPD met with the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) in the 4300 block of Knox Road to meet with the parents of Dilan, who were concerned about their son.
Dilan's parents had contact with their son on October 1, 2026, at approximately 6 p.m. When the parents arrived at their son's residence on October 2, 2026, he was not home.
Follow Up
Our department began working with PGPD in searching for Dilan. Throughout the course of the search, our Security Operations Center found Dilan on campus on camera.
Due to this latest information on Dilan’s last known whereabouts, UMPD is the lead agency in this search.
Update
On October 4, 2026, in the morning hours, a systematic and methodical search was conducted. This search consisted of approximately 110 acres in area of Terrapin Trail Garage, which yielded negative results.
When available for release, additional information may be obtained by accessing UMPD News and our social media accounts.
Safety Resources:
University of Maryland Police Department
Emergency Number - 301-405-3333 / #3333 from a mobile phone (AT&T and Verizon Wireless) / 911
Non-Emergency Number - 301-405-3555
Prince George's County Police Department
Emergency Number - 911
Non-Emergency Number - 301-352-1200
Office of Emergency Management and Business Continuity
https://prepare.umd.edu/ for quick access to phone numbers and emergency guide
UMD Guardian (Mobile Campus Safety App)
https://umpdnews.umd.edu/download-umd-guardian-app-today
UMD Police Walking Escort
301-405-3555
NITE Ride
301-314-3687
https://transportation.umd.edu/shuttle-um/nite-ride
ADA/504 Coordinator
301-405-2841
https://accessibility.umd.edu/
Bias Incident Support Services
301-405-0980
Help Center (Peer Counseling & Crisis Intervention)
301-314-4357
Counseling Center
301-314-7651
CARE Office (Free & Confidential resource for those impacted by Sexual & Relationship Violence)
301-741-3442
Health Center
301-314-8180
Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct (OCRSM)
301-405-1142