Missing Mt. Vernon teen's life in danger, disappearance may be gang-related, police say

MOUNT VERNON, Va. - The disappearance of a Mount Vernon teenager appears to be connected to gang activity and his life may be in danger, according to investigators.

The Fairfax County Police Department said 18-year-old Miguel Angel Ruiz Carrillo was last seen late Thursday evening and was believed to be endangered.

Carrillo's family reported him missing when he didn't return home by Friday morning. Detectives changed Carrillo's status from missing to missing and endangered after discovering suspicious circumstances believed to be gang-related.

According to his mother, Carrillo was last seen fishing at a pond when witnesses say they saw him being attacked by a group of men. Carillo's mother said he had a cellphone on him, but he has not answered their calls.

Investigators said they believe Carrillo was last seen in a wooded area near the end of Pole Road at Pondside Terrace and stated his life could be in danger.

"We don't have any information now that Miguel is a gang member, so I want to make that clear, but we do believe it's gang related," Fairfax County Police Department Spokesperson Don Gotthardt said.

Police were seen actively looking for Carrillo near the pond and the wooded area.

Anyone with information that could aid detectives in their investigation was urged to call Det. Fox with the Fairfax County Police Department at (571) 489-1796.