Authorities and volunteer advocates are urgently searching for a 22-year-old Indiana man who vanished five days ago and has not been heard from since. Emanuel Slovak Branham of Chesterton, Indiana, was last seen in Lawstown, Oklahoma, and a 50-State Alert has now been issued in the hope that someone, somewhere, has seen him.
His family, friends, and the community are asking the public to stay alert and report anything that could help bring Emanuel home safely.
Who Is Emanuel Slovak Branham?
Emanuel Slovak Branham was born on October 27, 2003, making him 22 years old. He is described as standing approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds. He has brown, curly hair and brown eyes.
Here is a quick summary of his physical description:
- Full Name: Emanuel Slovak Branham
- Date of Birth: October 27, 2003
- Age: 22
- Height: 5’9″ (approximate)
- Weight: 150 lbs (approximate)
- Hair: Brown, curly
- Eyes: Brown
- Home: Chesterton, Indiana
Where and When He Was Last Seen
Emanuel was last seen five days ago in Lawstown, Oklahoma. Since that day, he has made no contact with anyone. His phone has gone quiet, and all of his social media accounts have been inactive for the entire five-day period — a sharp break from his normal routine that has deeply worried the people who know him.
He was reportedly last known to be somewhere in the state of Oklahoma. For a young man who typically stayed in touch, this sudden and total silence has raised serious alarm.
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The Vehicle Investigators Are Tracking
At the time of his disappearance, Emanuel was last seen driving a black Chevrolet Express 1500 van. Investigators have shared an important detail that may help the public identify the vehicle.
The van is displaying a false and fictitious license plate. According to authorities, if that plate is checked, it comes back registered to a Mustang — not to the Chevrolet Express van Emanuel is driving. This mismatch is a key clue for anyone who spots the vehicle.
The license plate was captured by a Flock camera in Iowa, giving investigators a possible trail of Emanuel’s movements. Anyone who sees a black Chevrolet Express van with a plate that does not match the vehicle is urged to note the location and contact police right away.
Concerns for His Well-Being
Those close to the case have shared that Emanuel’s mental stability may be fragile. That concern, combined with his complete silence and the unusual circumstances surrounding the vehicle, has added urgency to the search.
Time matters in cases like this. Every hour without contact deepens the worry, and every tip — no matter how small it may seem — could make the difference.
A 50-State Alert and Community Effort
A 50-State Alert has been issued for Emanuel, meaning people across the country are being asked to keep an eye out for him and his vehicle. The search is being organized by the advocacy groups Missing Lost And Trafficked and Lured Lost And Unsolved, who work to spread awareness and mobilize communities when someone goes missing.
The Porter County Police Department in Indiana is investigating Emanuel’s disappearance. Their goal is straightforward: locate Emanuel, confirm that he is safe, and reunite him with the people who love him.
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How You Can Help
If you have seen Emanuel Slovak Branham, the black Chevrolet Express 1500 van, or the mismatched license plate, please act immediately.
You do not need to be certain — investigators want to hear from anyone with information.
Please contact one of the following:
- Porter County Police Department (Indiana)
- Andrea Ford at 219-278-2397
- Tips email: missinglostandtrafficked@gmail.com
If you spot Emanuel or the vehicle in real time, call your local emergency line first so responders can move quickly.
Emanuel has a family waiting for him and a community determined to find him. Share this alert widely. A single tip could be the one that brings him home. If you know anything, no matter how minor it seems, reach out to authorities today.