Julio Gutierrez was reportedly missing by his family, Aug. 15. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Butte County Sheriff’s Department at 530-538-7322. Photo Courtesy Butte County Sheriff’s Department

BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - On Aug. 18, at approximately 2:41 a.m., family members of Julio Gutierrez, 22, reported him missing.  Deputies started an investigation and determined Gutierrez did not return home after attending an event in Biggs.

During the investigation, evidence of a traffic collision was located on Larkin Road, near the Afterbay Release Station.  Deputies were concerned that the vehicle involved in the traffic collision left the roadway and was possibly submerged in the water.  Officers from CHP responded and conducted a traffic collision investigation.    

 A white truck can be seen just below the surface as first responders assist in its recovery from the water. Photo by Will Sheffield

 First responders watch as Julio Gutierrez’s pickup truck is pulled from the water. Photo by Will Sheffield

 Julio Gutierrez’s truck is pulled from the waters of the Afterbay Release Station after his truck was discovered submerged. The driver has not yet been located. Photo by Will Sheffield

Butte County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue personnel responded and assisted in the recovery of a submerged vehicle.  Deputies determined the vehicle belonged to Gutierrez.  Gutierrez was not inside the vehicle.  Deputies and search and rescue personnel are actively searching for Gutierrez.

Search efforts continued Aug. 19 for Gutierrez. A Butte County Sheriff’s Department detective and pilot searched the area by air and search and rescue teams will search the water again, as of press time. Gutierrez is described as a Hispanic male adult, 5’8” tall, weighing 170 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Butte County Sheriff’s Department at 530-538-7322.