BARSTOW — An Iraq veteran who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has been missing since February and his family in Minnesota is eagerly awaiting answers.The last time Anthony Thomas Riggs’ family heard from him was in the beginning of this year, according to his father.According to Marion Riggs, three years ago his son left Minnesota with his pickup truck and trailer and hit the road. Riggs, 38, finally wound up settling in Barstow and his last known address was in the 28700 block of Community Boulevard, his father said. Marion Riggs said his son drives a red 1981 Chevy half-ton pickup with a silver Airstream travel trailer.
Earlier this month, Marion Riggs finally reported his son missing to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
According to sheriff’s spokeswoman Jodi Miller, a deputy from the Sheriff’s Barstow Station made contact with several people in the area of the 28700 block of Community Boulevard.
“No one in the neighborhood knew him or had ever seen the vehicle and travel trailer that his father reports he had last seen him in,” Miller said. “The deputy also made contact with Anthony Riggs’ brother and sister. They both state they have not heard from him. The deputy also contacted local hospitals and veteran services and unfortunately, were unable to receive any information regarding Mr.Riggs.”
Miller said the Sheriff’s Department has not received any “type of confirmation” that Riggs has been recently seen in the Barstow area.
But Marion Riggs says he knows his son is somewhere in Barstow.
“If he got off his meds, I don’t know what’s happening with him. That’s my worry,” Marion Riggs said. “I don’t know what else to do other than fly out there myself. But I don’t know what exactly that would solve. I just know there has got to be somebody in Barstow that knows where he is.”
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about Anthony Riggs’ whereabouts is urged to call the Sheriff’s Department at 760-256-4838. Those wishing to remain anonymous may also call the WeTip hotline at 800-78-CRIME.