By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post
The mother of missing 22-year-old Hays man Jacob Montoya has a a message for her son.
“We just want to hug you. We are not mad. We understand. We can get through this like we always do. I love you, ” Maria Montoya, Ulysses, tearfully said, adding his grandmother and entire family simply want him home safe.
According to Kansas Missing and Unsolved, Jacob has been missing since Sept. 30, and few clues as to his whereabouts have been discovered.
Montoya said she is shocked her son is missing and said the fact he has not contacted his family, friends or co-workers is worrisome. She described Jacob as a kindhearted person who enjoys helping others personally, as well as professionally as certified nursing assistant at Hays Medical Center.
Montoya said she believes Jacob’s kindness will lead to his return.
“That is how I think we are going to find him,” Montoya said. “He is going to open an older lady’s door … and they are going to look up and recognize his face and that is how I feel like we are going to find him. Because he is that kind of a person.”
Jacob reportedly purchased a pistol and ammunition before his disappearance.
“It doesn’t seem like him at all. He never liked guns … .for him to buy one? ” Montoya said, choking back tears.
Montoya is residing with her brother in Hays, as they both help search for Jacob.
“We are hanging up fliers and doing all we can,” she said.
Montoya said the search for Jacob is a national one.
He was last driving a brown 1997 Chevrolet Suburban with flames on the front grill with with Kansas tag 638 CVJ.
Jacob Montoya is 5 foot, four inches and weighs 170 pounds. He has dark hair and brown eyes.
Investigators say his cellphone was last pinged in the Victoria or Russell areas on Sept. 30, and his last credit card transaction was Oct. 1.
Anyone with information on Jacob’s disappearance is encouraged to the Hays Police Department at (785) 625-103o, or dial local law enforcement or 911 if information or sightings are from outside of Hays.