Family organizes search for missing student

LITTLE ROCK, AR – It has been three days since anyone one has seen missing UALR student Patricia Guardado. Police say they have no leads and don’t even know were to start looking.

“The fact that she’s a good student, that she’s got a good reputation, concerns us that something seriously wrong may have happened to her,” says Lt. Terry Hastings with the Little Rock Police Department.

Friends and family gathered at St. Edward’s Church Thursday to pray for Patricia’s safe return. She has not been seen since Wednesday morning on her way class. Police found her car in a parking lot along University Ave.

UALR Vice Chancellor of Facilities Management David Millay says more than 100 hidden cameras survey the campus grounds, and even more are located inside. So far, none of the cameras have shown any video of Patricia.

The problem is, Patricia’s car was not parked on the University campus, therefore there is no video of the lot to give any clues about what happened to her on Wednesday.

“Broad daylight or after dark, I don't find it surprising in today’s world," said Millay of the disappearance.

Millay says the University can’t be responsible for securing private property, even if the off-campus lot is frequently used by students for overflow parking.

“To find out that somebody goes missing is a tragedy. I wish the notification was a little bit quicker," said UALR student TJ Medel.

Although there is a PA system and text alerts to notify students of emergencies, the school only uses them for severe weather or if an intruder is on campus. Most students found out about Patricia’s disappearance via Facebook, email, or flyers the family has posted throughout campus.

Medel says students now walk in groups. "It’s basically put upon the student to look out for their own safety."

Back at St. Edward’s, plans were made for a search party. Friends, family, and concerned citizens will meet at 3300 S. University at 9am on Saturday to search for Patricia.