A distinctive facial tattoo could help police locate a wanted man in Ridgecrest, California. The Ridgecrest Police Department is asking the public to help find Ethen Thompson, who has an active arrest warrant connected to a child abuse investigation.
Police say Thompson is believed to be a transient in Ridgecrest. The department has released details about his appearance in hopes that someone who recognizes him can provide information about where he is staying.
Thompson is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 190 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.
His most recognizable feature is a tattoo on the right side of his face. The marking spells out “TOXIC,” but instead of a regular letter O, it features a heart shape. Police included this detail in their public notice to help people identify him.
The department has not provided further details about the child abuse investigation or explained what allegedly happened. Its announcement focuses on finding Thompson and obtaining information that could help officers locate him.
Police are encouraging anyone who knows Thompson or has information about his current whereabouts to come forward. Even information about where he may be staying could help investigators with their search.
Anyone with relevant information can contact Officer M. Deem directly through mdeem@ridgecrest-ca.gov. Members of the public can also reach the Ridgecrest Police Department by calling (760) 499-5100.
The public assistance notice was issued through the department’s Detective Bureau and prepared by Detective Sergeant Ruben Ortiz. Thompson is wanted in connection with the child abuse investigation, and police are seeking help from the community to locate him.