PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Christmas at the Rountree home in Portsmouth wasn't the same this year because of the ongoing search for 19-year-old Daquan Rountree.
“My main concern is finding my son, getting him back safely, so he can spend his Christmas with us," said Gabriel Rountree.
Gabriel hasn't seen his son Daquan in more than two weeks.
"It's been very difficult," Gabriel said. "Could he be somewhere safe? Could he be somewhere passed out? Could he be held against his own will? It's so many thoughts that play with your mind."
Gabriel said Daquan wasn't like himself the night he disappeared and wanted to hurt himself. This behavior is out of character for Daquan, his father said.
"We talk a lot ... but I wish I would have asked more questions. Like, 'What's really going on, son?' Sometimes, these uncomfortable conversations need to be had, because I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy," said Gabriel.
Doorbell camera footage previously viewed by 13News Now showed Daquan ran away without any clothes on Pulaski Street at around 11 p.m. on December 10.
At roughly 12:30 a.m. on December 11, Portsmouth police said witnesses spotted Daquan less than half a mile away on the 900 block of Fifth Street.
Citizens and law enforcement searched for clues on December 19, to no avail.
However, Gabriel thanked people in the community for their support, adding he appreciates everyone looking out for his son.
He asked they keep staying vigilant and raising awareness for Daquan. A $1,000 reward for information leading to Daquan's safe return is being sponsored by the family.
"If you hear this, I love you, son. Everybody loves you. Everyone wants you to come home. We want you here. You don't have anything to be ashamed of. Nobody's mad at you," said Gabriel.
On behalf of the Portsmouth Police Department, Virginia State Police issued a critically missing adult alert or Ashanti Alert for Daquan on December 14.