07/09/2026
May be between Meeker and Rifle - Please be on the lookout!
🚨𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐓-𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐊 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍 Investigation Update🚨
- July 31, 2026, 8:04 p.m.
The Rifle Police Department continues to actively investigate the disappearance of Samuel Bower, who was reported missing on July 8, 2026. At this time, Samuel has not been located.
Since Samuel was reported missing, investigators have followed numerous leads and worked closely with partner agencies in an extensive effort to locate him. Shortly after the report was received, Samuel was entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, making his information immediately available to law enforcement agencies nationwide.
As new information was received, search efforts expanded beyond Rifle into Rio Blanco County. The investigation has involved a coordinated response from the Rifle Police Department, Garfield County Sheriff's Office, Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office, Meeker Police Department, Garfield County Search and Rescue, Rio Blanco County Search and Rescue, Classic Air, and drone teams.
The most recent organized search focused on the Highway 13 corridor. Search-and-rescue teams began near Mile Marker 8 and worked north toward Meeker, conducting a thorough search of Highway 13 along the route. Air support from Classic Air and drone resources were used to assist ground teams. While organized search efforts have been temporarily suspended, the investigation remains active, and detectives continue to follow up on information as it is received.
"Our hearts are with Samuel's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time," said PIO Angela Stow-Mills. "Our officers and partner agencies remain dedicated to this investigation. We encourage anyone who may have information—no matter how small it may seem—to please come forward. Sometimes the smallest detail can make the biggest difference."
If you have any information about Samuel's whereabouts, please contact Rifle-Garfield County Dispatch at (970) 625-8095.
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– July 13, 2026, 12:13 p.m.
RPD investigators and search teams spent Sunday following up on new information and pursuing multiple leads. At the conclusion of those efforts, Rio Blanco County Search and Rescue and Garfield County Search and Rescue have temporarily suspended search efforts pending new information or leads.
𝗬𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆’𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱:
• Drone teams
• Ground search teams from both Garfield and Rio Blanco County Search and Rescue
Although today's organized search is suspended, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, and we continue to ask for the public's help.
If you have seen Samuel or have any information about his whereabouts—no matter how small it may seem—please contact Dispatch immediately at 𝟗𝟕𝟎-𝟔𝟐𝟓-𝟖𝟎𝟗𝟓. Even the smallest detail could help bring Samuel home safely.
We sincerely thank the dedicated search-and-rescue volunteers, our partner agencies, Classic Air, and everyone in the community who has shared information and supported these ongoing efforts.
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4:46 p.m. July 11, 2026
Today, at approximately 12:49 p.m., the Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office notified the Rifle Police Department that dispatch had received multiple reports of Samuel possibly being seen along Highway 13 between mile markers 24 and 35. Deputies from the Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office immediately responded to the area and began searching. As additional resources were requested, Garfield County Search and Rescue was deployed at approximately 1:40 p.m. to the Rifle Arch Trail area along Highway 13 to coordinate with Rio Blanco County Search and Rescue in conducting a comprehensive search of the reported location. Classic Air also launched a helicopter to provide aerial support and assist search teams with a broader view of the area.
We are grateful to our partner agencies, search-and-rescue volunteers, and community members who continue to assist in this ongoing effort.
We continue to ask anyone who may have seen Samuel or has any information about his whereabouts to contact dispatch immediately at 970-625-8095. Even information that may seem insignificant could prove critical to this investigation.
The Rifle Police Department will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
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5:35 p.m. July 10, 2026 - Our detectives are working closely with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Meeker Police Department and the Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office to locate Samuel.
If you have any information that could assist in locating Samuel, no matter how small it may seem, please contact dispatch at
(970) 625-8095. Your assistance could make a meaningful difference, and we appreciate the continued support of our community.
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12:25 p.m. July 9, 2026 - Samuel may have been seen walking north on Hwy 13 toward Meeker around 1:00 a.m. this morning.
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The Rifle Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating Samuel Bower, who has been reported missing and at risk.
𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗻:
📅 Wednesday, July 8, 2026
📍 Last Known Area:
Edelweiss Ct. and Dogwood Dr. in Rifle, Colorado
𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
Male
5'11"
135 lbs.
Brown hair
Brown eyes
𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴:
Blue hoodie
Blue sweatpants
Glasses
If you have seen Samuel or have any information about his whereabouts, please call 911 immediately or contact the Rifle Police Department at (970) 625-8095.
Please help us by sharing this post. Your assistance could make all the difference in bringing Samuel home safely.
Meeker Police
