Tuesday is Ryan Rodriquez' 32nd birthday, and his family wants nothing more than to have him home safe, to celebrate.
It's been four days since anyone has heard from Ryan. His family says he was in good spirits when he showed up for work Friday and it was a normal day, until he vanished around 10:30 a.m. while filling up a water truck.
A packed room filled with crying loved ones listened as Gabriel and Cindy Rodriquez issued a desperate plea for their son's return. His mother fought back tears as she recalled this day. A day she usually celebrates with her son.
"32 years ago today, is gave birth to my only son, Ryan," said Cindy. "Today is his birthday. On that day, I always knew Ryan was a special human being."
Ryan's family is offering a $20,000.00 reward for any information leading to his return.
"As you can tell, there's a lot of family and friends who are waiting for Ryan to come back home," said Gabriel. "And we will find him."
Fresno County Sheriff's investigators have scoured the westside of Fresno County, using search dogs and a helicopter. A CHP airplane also flew the area using infrared heat sensors. But, so far they have turned up few clues as to where Ryan could be.
"There's some things that are a little bit suspicious," said Chris Curtice with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office. "There are other things that they are following up on. I can't get into details on the investigation, obviously."
Ryan's family says they know of no life circumstance that would make him leave and it's not like him to ever lose contact with them. A co-worker, who spent early Friday with Ryan, did not report anything unusual.
"He said everything was normal. Actually he rode out to the job site with my son, Ryan that morning."
Ryan went to fill up his water truck, when he disappeared. Tuesday, his family displayed their favorite pictures of him, and his mother clutched his Oakland A's beanie.
Everyday family members have also organized their own searches and posted flyers near Interstate 5 and surrounding farming towns. But, to date, there are few leads.
Investigators have also been monitoring any financial activity, including Ryan's ATM card, but there have not been any transactions since he disappeared.
If you have any tips, please call the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.
