Pocono News Section

Search for Missing Man in Columbia Co.

Search for Missing Man in Columbia Co. - Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 6:40PM EST

LOCUST TWP., COLUMBIA COUNTY- Search crews are spending a second straight day looking for a missing Columbia County man. His family says time is crucial because he has some serious mental health problems.
Searchers gather at Valley Chemical Fire Company planning strategy to find 35-year-old Manuel Rosa-Varela. He was last seen Friday morning in the rural Catawissa area of Columbia County.

Police say he abandoned his car on Old Reading Road in Roaring Creek Township. Locust Township Police Chief Jeffrey Sutton said the man fled into a 200 acre wooded area.

Rosa-Varela's family told police he suffers from paranoia and schizophrenia. The chief says the family is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances. "We keep in constant contact with them. Keep them updated on what's going on and a couple of his family members have actually come forward and are also participating in the search," said Sutton.

A few search dogs are also joining the nearly 4-dozen volunteers. Besides local fire fighters and ambulance workers, some out-of-towners are also helping.

Several members of a rescue squad from Philadelphia are doing what they can. "They've advised me that they'll be here until the person's located or we have exhausted all of our abilities," added Sutton.

Here's a description of Manuel Rosa-Varela. He's 35-years-old, 5’4” and about 180 pounds. He has black hair, a mustache and a goatee.

Anyone who sees him should call the Columbia County Communications Center at 784-6300.