Jacob “Jake” Alvarado is still missing, and what should have been a joyous celebration of his 15th birthday has turned into a heartbreaking plea from his family for his safe return.
Phillip and Denise Alvarado are pleading for the safe return of their son, who went missing on Dec. 10.
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A freshman in high school and active in boxing, Jake was last seen leaving his residence in the 8000 block of Garnet Ave. in San Antonio. He was wearing a white shirt, black pants, a black hoodie, a gold earring in his left ear, and a distinctive pink backpack.
Jake may have been attempting to travel to Houston, where he has family and a girlfriend. The Alvarados received a tip that he was spotted at a Greyhound station trying to purchase a ticket. However, they have been unable to confirm whether Jake boarded a bus.
“We’ve been struggling with Greyhound to confirm a ticket purchase or surveillance footage,” Denise said. “He’s only 14, but he could have easily said he was 15 to buy a ticket without ID.”
Hear from his parents as they recount his disappearance and ask for the community’s support in finding him.
Jake’s parents shared their anguish as they described their son as a loving big brother and a selfless, respectful teen with deep ties to his community and church.
“He’s into boxing, always looking his best with cologne and shoes,” said his father, Phillip. “He adores his two little sisters and worries about them constantly.”
Jake’s mother, Denise, added, “He’s my best friend. We attend two churches, and Jake has been asked to lead in the men’s group. He’s always ready to help anyone who needs it.”
The family is working tirelessly to locate Jake, coordinating with their Houston family and his girlfriend’s family to drive around and search local areas.
His parents have a heartfelt message they want Jake to hear: ”Jake, we love you so much,” Denise said, her voice full of emotion. “You’re my best friend, and I just want to know you’re okay.”
“Come back home,” Phillip urged. “Everybody is going to welcome you with open arms. None of it matters—just come home safe and sound. If you need help, you know our numbers by heart. Call us, and we’ll drop everything to get you.”
Surveillance footage has confirmed that Jake arrived at the Harrisburg Greyhound station on Wednesday morning, 12/11. However, since then, he has not been seen or heard from. Over the weekend, his family distributed flyers around the Harrisburg Greyhound station, near Minute Maid Park, and at parks near City Hall and the library. Flyers were also passed out and posted in the Magnolia and Pasadena areas. Despite their efforts, there is still a large area of Houston to cover.
They are planning to return to Houston as soon as possible to continue their search under the hashtag #BringJakeHome.
Jake is described as 5′6″ tall, weighing 135 pounds, with a light complexion, brown eyes, and straight ear-length hair. His ears are pierced, and he was last seen with a pink backpack.
Harboring a runaway child is illegal in Texas and is considered a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and/or up to one year in jail.
Anyone with information about Jake Alvarado’s whereabouts is urged to contact the San Antonio Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit at (210) 207-7660 or his parents at (210) 417-2713 or (210) 639-8896.