Tashauna Jackson, a 23-year-old mother from Hartford, has been missing since last week and many of her family and friends gathered at a Hartford park to search for her on Tuesday.
On Monday, community members came together to pray for Tashauna's safe return. Then, early Tuesday morning, dozens of Jackson's loved ones convened upon Keney Park in Hartford to search for her, with help from more than a dozen K9 units from across the state.
Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra was also at the park on Tuesday morning for the search.
"This is about us being together and helping to find Tashauna," Mayor Segarra said.
Jackson was last seen as she was getting into a car the night of Tuesday, Aug. 11. Police said a man was behind the wheel and Jackson seemed to go willingly.
Jackson, who has never before disappeared, was reported missing the next day.
"All I want is my daughter to come home, safe, sound and breathing," Tashuana's mother, Tasha Fitch, said.
Local
Investigators have questioned the man Jackson was with but have not elaborated on their relationship. The man's car was seized as evidence. He is not in custody.
Police said they are "extremely concerned" for Jackson's safety, although her case does not meet the criteria for a Silver or Amber Alert. No charges have been filed.
"There's indicators that lead our investigators and command staff all to believe that there is a probability that Tashauna's here in the park," Deputy Police Chief Brian Foley said. "At this point, what do we have? A missing persons case. As investigators with a lot of experience here in the city, we have pretty good cause to believe it's much more than that."
Jackson has black hair and brown eyes, stands 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs about 125 pounds. Police said Jackson has a tattoo on her right wrist that says "Tasha," and rose tattoos on her right breast and right leg.
Family and friends are asking for help to find Jackson and have begun handing out fliers about her disappearance.
Hartford police ask anyone with information on Jackson's whereabouts to call the department as soon as possible at 860-757-4214 and ask for Sgt. Andrew Weaver. You can also leave anonymous tips online on the Hartford Police Department's website.
