Angel Garcia Rode Away on a Red Dirt Bike — Nearly 15 Years Later, He Is Still Missing

Hartford, Connecticut — October 21, 2011

Angel Garcia was 19 years old when he disappeared from Hartford, Connecticut.

He lived with his mother, Laura Suazo, and his girlfriend, Omayra Serrano, who had a young son that Angel helped care for. Loved ones described him as a homebody who enjoyed cooking for his family and spending time with the people closest to him.

Just weeks before he vanished, Angel had purchased something he was especially excited about — a red Honda dirt bike covered in Geico stickers.

He spent much of his free time riding trails around Hartford and East Hartford.

Angel Rides Away

On October 21, 2011, Angel was riding with a friend named Joel at Joel’s uncle’s property, which reportedly included a large open field.

Around 1 p.m., Angel rode away from the field toward Newfield Avenue.

That was the last confirmed sighting of him.

Some reports suggested multiple friends may have been present that day, but investigators were never able to fully determine exactly what happened after Angel rode off on the dirt bike.

Angel was not officially reported missing until the following evening at approximately 6 p.m.

Investigators Consider Several Possibilities

As investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding Angel’s disappearance, several troubling details emerged.

Friends told police that riders often reached East Hartford trails either by traveling dangerously close to highways or by crossing a train trestle over the river.

Authorities considered the possibility that Angel may have crashed and fallen into the river near the trestle.

But despite searches and years of investigation, no evidence was found confirming that theory.

Another detail raised additional questions.

According to investigators, Angel’s friend Josh reported that the day before Angel vanished, a tan Jeep Cherokee chased them and questioned Angel after he rode into a field.

Investigators also learned that the dirt bike Angel was riding had originally been stolen during a Craigslist transaction before eventually ending up in Angel’s possession.

Authorities later stated that they did not consider the original owners suspects in his disappearance.

Nearly 15 Years Without Answers

Despite years of investigation, Angel Garcia has never been found.

At the time of his disappearance, Angel was described as Hispanic, approximately 5’8″ tall and 180 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a pierced ear.

He was last seen wearing a gray hoodie, blue jeans, and black sneakers with red detailing while riding the red Honda dirt bike with Geico stickers.

Nearly 15 years have passed since Angel rode away that afternoon.

His family has been left wondering whether he suffered an accident, encountered danger along the trails, or crossed paths with someone who knows what happened to him.

Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of Angel Garcia is asked to contact the Hartford Police Department at 860-757-4000, 860-757-4242, or 860-757-4236.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 860-722-TIPS (8477).

© The Vivid Faces of the Vanished