04/19/2023
The Iowa City Police Department and partnering agencies continue their search for Cristian Martinez, 20, of Muscatine.
Martinez was last viewed walking west in the 100 Block of W. Harrison Street around 12:56 a.m. Saturday, April 15. Because of his direction of travel, police believe the biggest threat to Martinez' safety is the Iowa River.
In the time since Martinez was reported missing, police have received numerous tips from the public and Martinez' family members. Those tips, as well as leads developed through the investigation, have been investigated thoroughly.
Search and rescue efforts conducted include:
• A ground search of Ralston Creek and the Iowa River south of the Burlington Street Bridge by the Iowa City Fire Department.
• Multiple visual searches of the area where Martinez was last seen, including railroad tracks and the Iowa River shoreline.
• A review of Martinez' bank account and cellphone activity.
• Investigators obtained surveillance video from sources including the City, University of Iowa, Johnson County and other private video.
• Drones with high quality video capabilities have been used to search along the Iowa River and in the area where Martinez was last seen.
• Working with Johnson County Emergency Management and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the outflow of the Coralville Reservoir was reduced to aid in the search of the Iowa River.
• Johnson County Sheriff's Office deputies have conducted boat searches on the Iowa River.
ICPD investigators remain in close contact with Martinez' family. Police strongly encourage anyone with information on Martinez' whereabouts to contact the department at 319-356-5275.
