Detroit dig related to missing persons cases as various agencies probe vacant homes

(FOX 2) - From May to October, Detroit police will be partnering with various agencies on multiple searches around the city as they search for missing persons.

On Tuesday, crews were at Pingree Park for "Operation Block," which is an initiative to locate individuals who have been reported missing. The specific search on May 12 was for someone last reported in the area in April 2023.

Officials spotted at Pingree Park in Detroit.

What we know:

May is Missing Person's month and part of what spurred a multi-police search of several vacant homes in the area of Iroquois and East Forrest on the city's east side. 

"The operation is to go through vacant lots, vacant homes, and clear areas for any signs of missing persons that are out there today," said DPD Cmdr. Rebecca McKay.

She said there are several joint task force operations planned throughout the year. 

Tuesday's designated area stretches eight blocks by four blocks and will include approximately 25 homes over a two-day search.

"We're searching for any missing person, no matter where they area, we will definitely conduct searches for those individuals," McKay said. "One person who went missing is who brought us for this area."

Dig deeper:

There are at least five locations designated around the city with deeper searches planned.

Both Michigan State Police and Detroit Police were part of Tuesday's search. However, there will be up to 13 separate agencies involved in the searches, will continue through October.

"We are praying, hoping we do find any individuals so we can bring them home to their families, whether they're squatting, or hiding out, or possibly deceased.