The Rifle Police Department is asking residents across western Colorado for help locating a 20-year-old man who has not been seen since Wednesday.
Samuel Bower was last known to be in the area of Edelweiss Court and Dogwood Drive in Rifle, though a possible sighting places him walking north on Highway 13 toward Meeker around 1 a.m. Thursday morning.
Police describe Bower as an at-risk missing person, standing about 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing around 135 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes, and he was last seen wearing a blue hoodie, blue sweatpants, and glasses.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, but the at-risk designation signals that officers consider his safety a pressing concern.
Community groups have joined the search effort online, spreading the word through social media pages dedicated to missing persons cases. One such page, Missing People In America, shared Bower’s photo and description with followers, noting that he was reported missing and at risk after last being seen on July 8 in the Edelweiss Court and Dogwood Drive neighborhood.
The post included his height, weight and clothing description, matching the details released by police, and encouraged anyone with information to reach out directly to the Rifle Police Department.
How the Public Can Help
Anyone who has seen Bower or who has information about where he might be is urged to call 911 immediately or contact the Rifle Police Department directly at 970 625 8095.
Because he is considered at risk, time and accurate information matter. Residents in Rifle, Meeker, and the surrounding areas along Highway 13 are asked to keep an eye out, particularly given the reported early morning sighting along that route.
Missing person cases like this one often rely heavily on tips from everyday residents who happen to notice something out of place, whether that is a person matching a description walking along a rural highway or someone spotted at a gas station or store. Law enforcement agencies frequently stress that even small details can help investigators piece together a timeline and narrow down a search area.
A Growing Pattern of Community Involvement
This case adds to a string of recent public safety concerns making headlines across western Colorado, from wildfire evacuations to other local emergencies. Community engagement has become an important part of how small-town police departments handle limited resources when searching for missing residents.
Social media sharing, tip lines, and local news coverage all work together to widen the search beyond what a single department could manage alone.
For now, the Rifle Police Department continues to lead the search for Bower, relying on the public to be their eyes and ears.
Residents are reminded that any piece of information, no matter how minor it may seem, could be the detail that helps bring them home safely. Those with tips are encouraged to call 970 625 8095 or dial 911 right away.
