CARVER -- Police are asking the public to help find an art student missing for more than two weeks.

Sgt. James Rhodes,

spokesman, said 21-year-old Tola Brennan may have been seen earlier this week, walking along a road in

but that deputies have been unable to confirm the sighting.

"Mr. Brennan has been entered into the database of missing persons," Rhodes said. "If he has contact with any law enforcement agency anywhere, they will realize we are looking for him. We would appreciate any tips members of the public can give us."

Brennan's mother, Randee Silverman, said her son, a New York-born artist and student, took a leave from his studies at the

and moved to Southeast Portland in September. He had been working as a barista in the Westmoreland neighborhood when he took off on Jan. 9 without his glasses, cellphone, identification or money.

The following day,

spoke to Brennan, who told them he was on a spiritual quest and was headed south. Because Brennan is an adult and had not yet been reported missing, police gave him a ride to Shari's restaurant in the

and dropped him off.

That's the last anyone has confirmed seeing him.

"We're not sure what state of mind he is in," Silverman said. "We're very concerned for his safety."

Silverman said her son, who also goes by Thom Silverman, was not dressed for the elements. She said he was wearing a long, dark blue down coat and slippers. He also was carrying a small pink backpack.

She described him as 5-foot-6, 140 pounds, with dark brown, shoulder-length hair and a full beard.

Rhodes urged anyone with information to call the sheriff's confidential tip line at 503-723-4949. Confidential text messages can be sent to CRIMES (274637 on a cell phone keypad), with the keyword "CCSO" as the first word in the message.

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