Police search state forest for person reported missing from Atlantic County

New Jersey state troopers in a boat searched extensively over one section of a river.

Trish Hartman Image
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Police search NJ state forest for person reported missing
Police search state forest for person reported missing from Atlantic County

NORTHFIELD, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Authorities are searching the Wharton State Forest for a missing person from Atlantic County, New Jersey.

All day Monday, search crews focused on the area near the Mullica River canoe landing.

According to police, 32-year-old Elliot Ganiel was reported missing by family members out of Northfield. Ganiel's car was found at the canoe landing sometime over the weekend.

New Jersey state troopers in a boat searched extensively over one section of the river, using an underwater camera to aid their search.

Later, they took a K-9 onto the boat as they went over the same section of the river multiple times.

Searchers also combed through the woods on foot along Nesco Road near the river, some with hounds. Drones were spotted overhead as well to aid in the search.

While Northfield police and state park police led the investigation, crews from Camden County and even from Long Beach Island came to help with the search.

Police have not said what Ganiel was doing in the area or if he was with anybody.

Elliot Ganiel was previously identified by police under a different name. This story has been updated to reflect that change.