Search ongoing for person missing in Desert Foothills Park

DESERT FOOTHILLS PARK - Multiple agencies searched for a 20-year-old man believed to be lost in Desert Foothills Park.

Nicholas Massimino, 20, of Alamogordo went for a hike at Desert Foothills Park at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday, according to New Mexico State Police Area Commander Grady Viramontes.

Massimino and his family are new to the area, having moved to Alamogordo about six weeks ago from California, Viramontes said.

"He's new to the area and as far as we know, this is the first time he's tried to hike out here," Viramontes said.

Massimino's car was found parked near the entrance gate of the park and has since been removed from the scene.

The search

Aiding Alamogordo Police Department in the search is Alamogordo Search and Rescue, Otero County Emergency Services, the Otero County Sheriff's Office and the New Mexico State Police.

Local fire departments began the search Thursday night with about 15-20 people.

The search was called off around 3:30 a.m., Viramontes said. 

Efforts began again at dawn, Viramontes said, after he received word about the missing man at about 12:30 a.m. Friday.

There were about 27 people searching for Massimino on foot and on ATVs Friday. A drone was reportedly also being used in the search, Viramontes said. 

A staging location was set up at the entrance of the park. 

Alamogordo Police urged the public to keep away from the area.

Alamogordo Daily reporter Nicole Maxwell is at Desert Foothills Park.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Desert Foothills Park

Desert Foothills Park is a city park that offers hiking trails and views of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Several trail heads are found at the east entrance of the park, near 1st Street. 

The park borders the Sacramento Mountains and Lincoln National Forest.