Officials searching for soldier who disappeared from Southern California Army base 

Army officials at Fort Irwin National Training Center are searching for a soldier who went missing late last week. 

According to a press release issued Sunday by the Army base’s public affairs office, U.S. Army PFC Alejandro Espinola of the 11^th Armored Cavalry Regiment failed to report for duty on Thursday and was subsequently reported missing.

Espinola, 26, is said to be 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs 164 pounds.  He is a native of Los Angeles, one of his friends told KTLA. 

He drives a dark gray 2018 Hyundai Elantra with temporary tags, the friend added. 

Authorities at Fort Irwin, which is located in San Bernardino County northeast of Barstow, are using “all available means” in their search for Espinola. 

“The health and safety of our soldier is our number one concern,” Col. Kevin T. Black, 11^th Armored Cavalry Regiment Commander said.  “The chain of command is actively communicating with PFC Espinola’s family to keep them informed of ongoing search efforts.” 

Anyone with any information regarding Espinola’s whereabouts is asked to call local their law enforcement agency or contact Fort Irwin’s Criminal Investigation Division by calling 760-442-9316.