THUNDER BAY -- Dan Norland wants his son to come home.
Daniel Norland Jr., known as DJ, was last seen 7 p.m. Sunday by his roommates as he was leaving his River Street residence on his blue and silver CCM mountain bike.
The 20-year-old DJ was supposed to meet his father at 8 p.m. that evening at his home.
“He texted me at 7:20 that evening, he never replied to my text and no one has seen or heard from him since that period of time,” said Dan Norland.
DJ is known to frequent Marina Park and the downtown north core and he was last seen wearing a grey hoodie, a black Raptors cap and a backpack.
He’s described as Caucasian standing about five-feet-nine-inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds. He has light brown hair with an unshaven reddish beard and tattoos on both arms.
Dan Norland said his son is athletic and personable.
“He’s liked by a lot of people. All the (private messages) and texts have meant a lot to us,” he said.
A Facebook page has been set up to help in the search for DJ and his father said the outpouring of support has been appreciated.
“All the comments I’ve had are very uplifting and positive towards my son and his character.”
Dan Norland has been searching around the city for his son with friends in areas his son is known to frequent, but he says he’s no professional and could use any help offered.
The Thunder Bay Police Service confirmed on Wednesday they are searching for DJ Norland.
Some witnesses say they believed to have spotted him as recently as Sept. 9 just after 2 p.m. in the Confederation College area.
However, after looking at the college’s security footage, Dan Norland said no leads have come from it and they are concentrating their search efforts elsewhere.
DJ Norland also left his wallet and ID behind as well as some OSAP money he had just received for a course he was about to begin.
“I can only assume that he did not plan on leaving his home for any amount of time other than maybe anywhere between half an hour to an hour,” said Dan Norland, adding he’s concerned that if his son is injured or met with foul play, he could be suffering from hypothermia.
“Being realistic, if he is outdoors, it’s not going to be looking very well for him at this time.”
The Norland family and police are asking anyone with any information on where DJ could be staying or if he’s hurt to contact the police at 684-1200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-8000-22-TIPS.
