Search Continues In South Jersey Forest For Missing Person

NORTHFIELD, NJ — The search for a missing person continues in South Jersey as police comb Wharton State Forest and the Mullica River.

Elliot Ganiel, 32, was first reported as possibly missing late on March 2, Northfield Police Cpt. Stephen Steinecke said in a news release.

Ganiel is described as a white transgender man, 5'4", about 140 pounds, with short brown hair and brown eyes. Police don't know what he was wearing when he went missing.

A family member of his received a call from New Jersey State Police saying that Ganiel's vehicle was found at the Mullica River canoe landing in Batsto, Steinecke said.

The family member became concerned and checked on Ganiel, who was discovered to be missing. That family member had not seen Ganiel in three days, Steinecke said.

Police found multiple personal items in Ganiel's car and began a search of the area, Steinecke said, which continued as of Tuesday afternoon when the press release was shared.

The agencies participating in the search involve the Northfield Police Department, the New Jersey State Police, New Jersey State Park Police, NJOEM, Atlantic County OEM, Hamilton Township PD, Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, Beach Haven PD, Egg Harbor Township, Sweetwater VFC, Atlantic County SAR, Camden County SAR and numerous dive teams, K-9’s, drone units and FLIR systems.

Police ask that any tips be submitted to the Northfield Police Department at 609-641-3122. Detective Matthew Locotos is the lead case agent.