U.S. Navy Sailor Missing for a Week: Concerns Over Authorities’ Lax Response
A U.S. Navy sailor, Nija Towny Townsend Jr., has been missing for almost a week after leaving the USS Germantown for liberty call in San Diego. Townsend, a 20-year-old from Lake Jackson, Texas, was last seen on Saturday afternoon. Despite his phone being turned on and fully charged, authorities have reportedly refused to ping its location. Shipmates reached out to friends and relatives after he failed to return, but no one has seen him since.
Townsend’s mother, Courtney Frazier, expressed worry over the lack of action from law enforcement agencies. She attempted to file a missing person report with the San Diego police, who declined to accept it due to the absence of evidence suggesting foul play or imminent danger. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) also informed her that they couldn’t assist without such indications.
Frazier turned to Townsend’s cellphone carrier, Verizon, for help. They confirmed that his phone was turned on and fully charged but couldn’t track its location without a request from the police. Frustrated by the lack of information, Frazier stressed the importance of ensuring her son’s safety.
Townsend, known as a responsible and dependable individual by his family, has no known issues with drugs or mental health. His sudden disappearance is considered out of character. He stands at 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighs approximately 165 pounds, and wears glasses. Although he often frequented a San Diego Quality Inn near the base, he hasn’t checked in there this week.
Townsend’s family is urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the San Diego police. They remain hopeful for his safe return and are desperate for answers.
