The search for a missing Longmont mother briefly turned into a diving operation at Golden Ponds Park Saturday afternoon. Crews began packing up at 2:30 p.m. after having found nothing.
Rita Gutierrez-Garcia, 34, was first reported missing Wednesday night after not being seen since St. Patrick's Day weekend. Rita was last seen by friends in the early hours of March 18 after leaving a Main Street bar with friends.
Longmont Police said in a Thursday press conference that she'd been seen talking on the phone with someone and told her friends she'd find a separate ride home.
Her mother and sister made an impassioned plea for information on their loved one. Diane Romero, her mother, told gathered media that her sons need their mother. Her sister, Jessica Romero, called Rita her soulmate and begged for her to get in touch with them.
Police said in a news release Saturday afternoon that their ongoing investigation has led them to Golden Ponds Park. They told 9NEWS it was not a tip that led them there, but procedure.
Longmont PD, Longmont Fire and Longmont Emergency were all on scene. Dive teams were in the water and search dogs are combing the park, police said.
Crews were at the park from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
At the Wednesday press conference, police asked for witnesses to come forward. They said Saturday they were able to get their hands on some surveillance video from the night Rita went missing, but couldn't offer much more than that at this time.
