ELIZABETH CITY — The search continues for Pedro Ivan Aparicio, a 23-year-old Marine reservist and firefighter who disappeared on November 17, 2025, prompting an urgent plea from his family and fellow first responders.
Aparicio, who serves in the Marine Corps Reserve, was last seen at his residence on Horseshoe Road in Elizabeth City at approximately 9 p.m. Nov. 17. He is also employed as a firefighter in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, where colleagues describe his disappearance as out of character.
According to Tim Welsh, President of Tidewater Federal Firefighters IAFF Local F-25, Aparicio was scheduled to report for duty on Nov. 19, but never arrived — behavior that immediately raised red flags among his fellow firefighters who know him as reliable and dedicated.
In a significant development, family members reported that a detective informed them Aparicio’s vehicle was seen in the Outer Banks area early in the morning following his disappearance. He drives a light blue Toyota Camry, model year between 2017 and 2020. His vehicle also bears North Carolina license plate number RER7514.
“Our parents just want to make sure he’s okay,” a family member stated on social media, reflecting the anguish of loved ones who have had no contact with Aparicio since that Sunday evening. His cell phone has remained inactive since he was last seen, and he has not reached out to family or coworkers.
Aparicio is described as a Hispanic male, standing 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 150 pounds.
The Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that while they share the family’s deep concern, investigators have discovered no indication of criminal activity. However, they continue working closely with the Aparicio family to locate him and confirm his safety.
“Although he is an adult and not legally required to check in or remain accountable to anyone, it is unusual that he has not returned home and has not reported to work since he was last seen,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.
Authorities are urging anyone who has seen Pedro Ivan Aparicio or his light blue Toyota Camry (NC plate RER7514), particularly in the Outer Banks area, to contact the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (252) 338-2191.
Anyone with even the smallest piece of information is encouraged to come forward. In cases like these, every detail matters, and what might seem insignificant could be the key to bringing Pedro home.