NJ Man Last Seen In Maryland Missing Over A Month, Reward Being Offered

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A reward is now being offered, as police continue their search for a man from New Jersey last seen in Howard County in early August.

RELATED: Police Searching For Missing New Jersey Man Who Visited Maryland

A reward of up to $5,000 is now being offered to anyone who has information that would help locate 28-year-old David Gipson Smith, who was last seen in the Woodbine area on August 6.

Howard County police say they received information that Smith was using drugs, possibly heroin, the day before he went missing and that he did not have a place to stay. He even reportedly had planned to spend the night outside.

Investigators say Smith's family contacted police on August 12 after he had not returned home nor reported to work after visiting a friend in Maryland on August 5.

They say Smith has not been seen since August 6 where he was dropped off in the area of the 2000 block of Woodbine Road.

Police say they learned Smith has left home for weeks or months at a time and say it's possible he may have traveled out of Maryland.

Detectives also have learned that Smith did pack up many of his belongings when he left New Jersey, including luggage and other possessions.

Witnesses say he left his car parked in Elkridge and then asked for a ride from a friend on the day of his disappearance.

Police say Smith appeared to have taken possessions he could carry, but left the rest behind in the car.

Since his disappearance, police say there has been no activity on Smith's cell phone, or on his social media accounts or bank accounts.

While police have found no evidence of foul play, detectives say they are concerned for Smith's welfare due to the duration of his absence and his history of drug and alcohol use.

Smith is described as a white male, 6 ft. 4 in. tall, weighing 230 pounds. He has several tattoos on his chest, torso and arms.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Howard County police at 410-313-STOP or email HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.

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