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Family, police continue search for missing Lodi man in Ripon

The search continues today for 21-year-old Juan Acatitlan, who was last seen swimming in the Stanislaus River.

The last picture taken of 21-year-old Carlos Acatitlan showed him smiling along the Stanislaus River.

20 minutes, later he was gone.

“We want to find him and see him again," says Carlos' brother, Jose Acatitlan.

It was last Sunday evening around 5 p.m. when Acatitlan, a native of Mexico, and his brother Jose and a friend went for a swim.

Acatitlan had finished a day in the fields pruning grapes. Jose Acatitlan says the last time he saw his brother Carlos was when Carlos was in the water grabbing a log close to the river's edge.

Jose turned around thinking Carlos was safe. He wasn’t.

Family and friends then began a frantic search. Officials from several different agencies have also joined the search.

It's day three and no sign Acatitlan.

“He didn’t like going out a lot. He just wanted to work," said Elsa Ochoa, Acatitlan’s roommate. “I’m praying that he is alive. I know its been so many days, but I know God is big and I am hoping he is alive.”

Up until seven months ago, Jose had not seen his brother for 14 years. He is also hoping and praying it won’t be his last time.

“We don’t lose hope he is still alive," Jose said.

The Ripon Police Department also wants to remind everyone, the water is cold and swift moving. Bottom line, use caution if you decide to set foot in the river.

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