DPD, other agencies search Ethel Street location in connection with Diaz disappearance

Officers from the Douglas Police Department and several other agencies are conducting an operation on East Ethel Street related to the investigation of Maria D. Diaz, 28, who has been missing since Feb. 3, 2023.

Thursday morning, police officers, along with officers from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, Code Enforcement, South Georgia State College Police Department, and other departments in both the city and county government, began searching a site on East Ethel Street. Acting chief Brannen Pruette stated that officers were acting on a tip that Diaz may be located at the site. They were searching the property using heavy equipment and had a cadaver dog present as well.

As of Thursday afternoon, Acting Chief Pruette said that they hadn’t found anything that pointed to Diaz being at the location. “We are following up on all the leads we can. We’re still looking. Hopefully she’s alive somewhere and we will find her safe,” said Pruette.

Diaz voluntarily left her mother’s home on Feb. 3 and has not been heard from since. Anyone with any information regarding Diaz should contact Cpl. Brittany O’Steen at (912) 384-2222 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..