CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. – The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is searching for an 18-year-old man who was last seen in Manatee County on Friday.
According to the sheriff’s office, Giovonni Pelletier was vacationing with his family in Englewood before leaving around 1:30 a.m. to visit relatives in Brevard County.
While traveling north on I-75 with his cousins, Pelletier began acting erratically before exiting the vehicle and walking away near State Road 70 in Manatee County, the sheriff’s office said.
The investigation is being conducted jointly with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
Monday, family members and volunteers searched for any signs of Pelletier on Hammock Road in Mims.
Pelletier’s cousins told Brevard County community correspondent James Sparvero they are clinging to hope.
“We know how a lot of these cases turn out,” Terrell Jefferson said. “We’re just hoping for the best, bring him home safely.”
Belinda Bintemire volunteered to pass out bottled water to the group as they looked along the dirt road and surrounding woods.
“We all have children,” she said. “I read the article and I actually cried, and I just wanna be able to help.”
The volunteer offered words of encouragement to the Pelletier family.
“We’re here for you, and we’re praying for you,” Bintemire said. “If you need something, just let me know.”
Authorities urge anyone with information on Pelletier’s whereabouts to call the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 941-639-2101.