Search and rescue operation for Andrew Dixon

Volunteers, state police and New Mexico Search & Rescue coordinated a large-scale but unsuccessful search on Dec. 14 for a 32-year-old Truth or Consequences man who has been missing since July. The search covered around 2,500 acres.

Andrew Dixon was last seen on July 28 in Truth or Consequences. The Dec. 14 search was near Mile Marker 33 on Highway 1, where a vehicle Dixon was believed to be driving was abandoned when it ran out of gas and was towed to Hicks towing on July 29. 

T or C detective Shane Jeffers recovered it from Hicks on Oct. 20. At that time, Jeffers said there were no indications of foul play within the vehicle. 

The operation drew teams from across the state, including mounted units, ground searchers, UTV teams, K9s, and drones. The area searched is on private property, but special permission was given to search teams. 

Incident Commander Robert Garcia of NM Search and Rescue said the search demonstrated how modern mapping technology is reshaping rescue efforts. He said in rugged areas like the desert and mountains around Socorro, traditional paper maps are often insufficient. 

Garcia used backcountry mapping software called CalTopo which he said has been successful in other missing person searches, to aid in their effort. Garcia said that CalTopo is a mapping software that allows searchers to view things in 3D and track pictures of clues found with coordinates.

“We rely heavily on CalTopo,” Garcia said. “It allows us to see the terrain visually, assign search sectors, and most importantly, keep live-tracking of our teams in the field. That way, we know exactly where people are and can respond quickly if conditions change.”

“CalTopo gives us a dynamic picture. If a team covers a canyon or ridge, we see it immediately. That prevents duplication and speeds up the search,” he said.

New Mexico Search & Rescue brought in dozens of volunteers for the Dec. 14 operation. 

Family and friends of Dixon have also rallied support, and a $1,000 reward has been offered for any information leading to finding Dixon.

While the Dec. 14 search did not immediately resolve Dixon’s disappearance, Garcia said that the integration of technology like CalTopo is now standard practice. 

“It’s about safety for our teams and effectiveness in finding those who are lost,” he said.

Another search will be scheduled to continue the search for Dixon by Socorro Search and Rescue but details are not yet available.