Army searching for missing soldier who did not report to Southern California base

U.S. Army investigators are asking for the public's help in searching for a soldier who did not report for duty last week from training in Southern California.

According to a press release issued Sunday by officials at Fort Irwin National Training Center in San Bernardino County, U.S. Army PFC Alejandro Espinola of the 11^th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) failed to report for duty on Thursday.

Officials said he was last seen on Friday at Monrovia Canyon Park outside of Los Angeles, about 140 miles southwest of the base.

"The health and safety of our soldier is our number one concern," Col. Kevin T. Black, commander of the 11th ACR said in the release. “The chain of command is actively communicating with PFC Espinola’s family to keep them informed of ongoing search efforts.” 

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Army officials described Espinola as 5 feet, 5 inches tall and about 165 pounds.

According to an updated press release issued Monday, he may be driving a 2018 black Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback with the California license plate 8BTS191.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division or the Fort Irwin Resident Unit.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.