The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a missing man who was last seen more than a week ago in Avenue, Maryland.
Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, 58, was reportedly seen on foot on August 16 near Maycroft Road, and he has not been heard from since.
Von Goetz is described as a white man standing about 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 205 pounds. At the time he was last seen, he was wearing dark colored pants and a light colored shirt. Investigators have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, but the case remains active as authorities work to determine his whereabouts.
Community Groups Join the Search Effort
As word of the case has spread, missing persons advocacy pages online have begun sharing Von Goetz’s information in hopes of reaching more people who may have seen him.
Volunteer-run networks like these often help amplify local cases that might otherwise only reach a small audience, and organizers say every share increases the odds that someone with a tip will come forward.
Von Goetz’s case has now been added to at least one national missing persons database, where volunteers work to keep records current and connect families with resources.
These grassroots efforts frequently work alongside law enforcement, not in place of it, with the goal of getting accurate information in front of as many eyes as possible.
How to Report Information
The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with knowledge of Von Goetz’s location or activities since August 16 to come forward. Detective Helen Deitrich is leading the investigation and can be reached directly at 301-475-4200, extension 8066, or by email at Helen.Deitrich@stmaryscountymd.gov.
For those who would rather remain anonymous, several other options are available. Tips can be sent by text to 847411, starting the message with the word SMCSO followed by a space and the tip itself.
People can also submit information online through the Sheriff’s Office tip portal at FirstSheriff.com/tips, or through the SMCSO mobile app, which is free to download on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Anyone who prefers to call in a tip can reach the Crime Solvers line at 301-475-3333.
Authorities have not indicated whether Von Goetz may be in need of medical attention or assistance, but as with any missing persons case, time can be a critical factor.
The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents in the Avenue area and beyond to review the description carefully, as even a small detail could help investigators piece together where he went after he was last seen.
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