In the early hours of March 25, 2026, 23-year-old Michael Petrino Jr. vanished from Reading, Pennsylvania. A resident of Lebanon County, his sudden and uncharacteristic silence raised immediate concern among his family. The last confirmed sighting of Michael was at approximately 5:11 AM, when a Ring camera captured him exiting a rented Jeep Compass on Muhlenberg Street.
Earlier that morning, around 1:30 AM, surveillance footage had shown him in northeast Reading wearing a grey Nike hoodie, black sweatpants, and black Crocs. His family grew deeply worried when he failed to contact them, especially on what was noted as a significant family birthday, an action described as entirely out of character for the loving son and brother. This lack of communication prompted his parents, Shanni and Michael Sr., to contact law enforcement and an investigation into his disappearance began.
The Reading Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation, treating Michael's disappearance as a high-priority and unusual case. Detectives have been diligently working to piece together the timeline of events leading up to his disappearance, analyzing digital evidence and conducting interviews. The rented Jeep Compass that Michael was seen leaving was recovered by police and has been processed for any forensic clues that might shed light on his whereabouts. The search has been concentrated in the northeast area of Reading where the vehicle was discovered. Authorities from both Lebanon and Berks counties have been involved in the efforts to locate him, and the public has been urged to provide any information they might have.
Michael is described as being 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-8 inches tall, weighing around 160-175 pounds, with a medium skin tone, black hair that may be in braids, and brown eyes. He has his nose and ears pierced, along with a tattoo on his left bicep. At the time he was last seen, he was also wearing white socks and black slides, and carrying a black drawstring backpack. A 2020 graduate of Palmyra High School, Michael was an athlete who played lacrosse, football, and baseball, and had attended college. His family remembers him as a loving son, brother, and friend, and their concern is palpable as the search continues. The investigation into Michael Petrino Jr.'s disappearance remains active, with law enforcement and his family seeking answers and hoping for his safe return.Last Seen: Mar 25, 2026
