Executive Summary
- Evita Garcia, 18, was last seen in South Bend, Indiana, on Feb. 3 at 4 p.m.
- She is described as 5’2″, wearing a pink Nike hoodie and ripped jeans.
- Authorities believe Garcia is in extreme danger and may need medical aid.
- Indiana State Police have issued a Silver Alert to assist in the search.
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Police have issued a statewide Silver Alert for 18-year-old Evita Garcia, who has been reported missing from South Bend, Indiana, and is believed to be in extreme danger.
According to authorities, Garcia was last seen on Tuesday, February 3, at approximately 4 p.m. in the South Bend area. Investigators describe the teenager as standing 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 105 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. At the time of her disappearance, she was reportedly wearing a pink Nike zip-up hoodie, ripped blue jeans, and blue and white Nike shoes.
Law enforcement officials state that Garcia is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance. The Silver Alert system is utilized in Indiana for missing and endangered adults or children who may have physical or mental health conditions that threaten their safety.
The South Bend Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding Garcia’s whereabouts to contact them immediately at 574-235-9202 or to call 911.
Public Safety Alert
The activation of a Silver Alert for an 18-year-old indicates that specific criteria regarding the individual’s safety have been met, often pointing to a medical necessity or cognitive vulnerability that elevates the urgency of the search. Unlike Amber Alerts, which require evidence of abduction, Silver Alerts focus on the endangered status of the missing person. Consequently, rapid community engagement and the dissemination of the individual’s description across northern Indiana are critical components of the law enforcement strategy to ensure a safe recovery.
