Police: Missing Des Moines man's 'absence is voluntary'

Des Moines police found evidence that a missing 18-year-old man's "absence is voluntary," after a search over the weekend. 

A search began over the weekend after Abdullahi "Abdi" Sharif was last seen at Merle Hay Mall on Friday and attempts by family and police to locate him were unsuccessful.

"We have found evidence that indicates his absence is voluntary," said Des Moines police spokesman Sgt. Paul Parizek said Tuesday. 

An investigation into Sharif's welfare is still ongoing and the department is continuing to follow up, Parizek said. 

Current evidence does not indicate whether Sharif is safe or not, Parizek said. 

"Taking recent weather conditions and his apparent lack of supportive resources into consideration, we are concerned about his welfare." 

Philip Joens covers breaking news for The Des Moines Register. He can be reached at 515-284-8184 at pjoens@registermedia.com or on Twitter @Philip_Joens. 

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