Purple Alert issued for 18-year-old missing from Tampa
Tampa police have issued a Purple Alert for 18-year-old Jean Brooks, last seen Wednesday afternoon on East Sligh Avenue driving a white 2024 Dodge Durango. Family members say statements he made left them concerned for his well-being, and officers are urging the public to call with any tips.
Key Takeaways
- The Tampa Police Department issued a Purple Alert for Jean Brooks, an 18-year-old Hispanic male last seen Wednesday afternoon.
- Brooks stands about 5-foot-8 and weighs roughly 120 pounds; he was driving a white 2024 Dodge Durango with Florida tag XVC309.
- He was last seen in the 1200 block of East Sligh Avenue and did not return home, raising family fears for his safety.
- Anyone with information should contact Tampa police at 813-231-6130.
The case is unfolding in Hillsborough County as Tampa officers ask neighbors, motorists, and anyone who may have seen Brooks or his SUV to come forward. Coverage of similar missing-person cases is tracked in our True Crime & Unsolved Mysteries section.
Who is missing and what do police know so far?
According to local reports, Jean Brooks is an 18-year-old Hispanic male who is about 5-foot-8 and weighs around 120 pounds. Tampa police say he vanished Wednesday afternoon and failed to return home, leaving relatives worried.
Investigators place his last known location in the 1200 block of East Sligh Avenue in Tampa. At the time, he was behind the wheel of a white 2024 Dodge Durango bearing Florida license plate XVC309.
Police also reported that Brooks made statements to family members and loved ones that raised concerns about his well-being. Those remarks, combined with his sudden disappearance, prompted the Purple Alert.
What is a Purple Alert and why does this case qualify?
In Florida, a Purple Alert is issued when an adult over the age of 18 with mental, cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities goes missing. The alert is meant to engage the public quickly when a vulnerable adult may be at risk.
It differs from a Silver Alert, which is used to locate missing people age 60 and older who are suffering from irreversible deterioration of intellectual faculties. Brooks is 18, so Tampa police used the Purple Alert system to widen the search.
Putting Brooks' description and vehicle details into public view gives drivers, businesses, and residents a clear picture of who and what to watch for as the search continues.
How can the public help find Jean Brooks?
Tampa police are asking anyone who sees Brooks or the white Durango to contact the department immediately at 813-231-6130. Officers want tipsters to report sightings as soon as possible.
Useful information may include where he was seen, when the sighting occurred, and whether the Florida-tagged Dodge Durango was still with him. Even brief updates can help investigators.
For additional reporting on this developing case, see coverage from Tampa Bay 28. BlasterPost will continue following official updates as the Purple Alert search continues.