Search continues for missing Maple Grove man
Courtesy of Maple Grove Police Department
The search for a missing Maple Grove man is continuing all day Saturday after volunteer searchers found the man’s jacket in a retention pond on Friday, according to Maple Grove police.
The family of Winston Drepaul organized a search for the missing 18-year-old on Friday afternoon. During the search, volunteers located a jacket near 80th Avenue and Lakeview Drive, which the family identified as belonging to Drepaul.
RELATED: Maple Grove seeking public’s help in finding missing 18-year-old
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol was then called in to assist with the search and underwater technology was used, according to a release from the Maple Grove Police Department (MGPD). A search from the air was also conducted but ended due to safety conditions.
A search also involving boats and deputies wearing cold water suits has been ongoing Saturday since 10:30 a.m. Lakeview Drive between Arbor Lakes Parkway and Kirkwood Lane were temporarily closed during the search but have since reopened.
Police said in an update on Saturday that Drepaul has not yet been located and no additional evidence has been found. Officials state that water conditions and poor visibility have made the search difficult.
Drepaul, who also goes by “DeeDee” or “Dez,” was last seen a week ago. Police say he left his home on the 11800 block of 80th Avenue early in the morning and didn’t bring any of his personal belongings or medications. He was seen on surveillance video the same morning outside Maple Grove Community Center at 12951 Weaver Lake Road, police said.
Authorities also say that on the day he disappeared, Drepaul was carrying a “duffle-type bag” that has not been found.
Anyone who may have seen the bag near the pond or the Maple Grove Community Center should call Maple Grove Police at 952-258-5321.
Officials say that at this time, no foul play is suspected and the case remains under investigation.