Search underway for mechanic missing since Sunday in Pedro Juan Caballero

Richard Vargas Dos Santos, a 37-year-old mechanic and vehicle bodyworker, has been missing since Sunday evening in Pedro Juan Caballero, prompting a search by police and growing concern among his family.

His mother, Mary Dos Santos, reported the disappearance at a police station. She said Vargas left their home in the María Victoria neighborhood on a motorcycle at about 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 30 to meet a woman whose identity she did not know.

The family has been unable to reach him since then because his cellphone is switched off. Police officers visited his home after receiving the report and began investigative work, according to Commissioner Pedro Román, deputy chief of the city’s First Police Station.

Román said the station sent a report to the prosecutor’s office and the Missing Persons Department. Police said they are working to find Vargas safe and urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to call 130, 911 or the nearest police station.