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Pearl Pinson Case: Search On Northern California Coast Called Off For Missing Teen Girl Kidnapped At Gunpoint

By Cia Young
Published on: 18:23 PST, May 28, 2016

The search for missing teenager, Pearl Pinson, 15, continued Saturday, just three days after witnesses saw her being abducted by an armed man not far from her Vallejo, California home.

According to ABC News, the search for Pearl in the Willow Creek area was called off Saturday, as investigators trying to find her found no signs whatsoever of the missing girl. They had searched the Sonoma Coast for her on Friday using divers, canine units, and search-and-rescue teams.

Authorities released a statement saying, “Investigators are continuing to follow up on leads in this case and continue to have hope we will find and bring Pearl home,” ABC News reports.

Pearl was kidnapped on Wednesday morning as she started her day walking to school. She reportedly had a bloody face and was screaming for help during the abduction, according to ABC News. A witness noted that Pearl’s captor took her at gunpoint and “dragged her across a freeway overpass…” Blood, as well as Pearl’s cell phone were found on the ground at the scene of the crime.

CBS News reported that Pearl’s abductor has been identified as Fernando Castro, 19, an acquaintance of the missing girl’s. After the kidnapping, he was seen driving southbound alone and was stopped by police near Santa Barbara on Thursday. An Amber Alert was issued for Pearl that afternoon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi3bX82RCzU

According to ABC News, surveillance cameras in Marin County spotted a solo Castro driving his gold Saturn sedan in the area, about 25 miles from where he abducted Pearl. His vehicle was also seen near the San Francisco Bay, so investigators searched near the water for any signs of Pearl.

At one point, while driving down the 101 Freeway, Castro was heading the wrong way and then exited at Buellton, the Los Angeles Times stated. He subsequently crashed a barrier at a Solvang mobile home park, broke into one of the residences, and reportedly hid there for a short period of time.

The woman living in the mobile home was able to “escape without injury,” according to the Times. Castro tried to get away after confiscating a truck at the residence, but he was ultimately killed in a shootout with police, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZdpXv5pXb4

The Times reported Pearl’s older sister, Rose Pinson, indicated Castro had been seen “roaming around” the neighborhood where Pearl lived.

The fact that Castro is now dead and Pearl is still nowhere to be found is disconcerting for her sister. Rose told CBS News, “I’m upset because we needed him… He was our main source.”

According to the Times, Rose spoke before reporters Thursday night, saying, “Pearl, you need to come home… If anything, you can find a way home. I know you can.”

KRCA reports that Rose further stated, “It’s sister love… What my heart is telling me is she’s in the Vallejo area or Solano…” Speaking about Castro’s demise, Rose said, “It is heartbreaking because his little information could have helped us to find out where she was or anything about her.”

Despite Castro’s death, authorities are still very hopeful Pearl is alive and indicate they have several leads to follow, CBS News reports.

Christine Castillo, a spokesperson with the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, told CBS News the first priority of the office is to find Pearl and bring her “…home safely to her family.” She added the sheriff’s office believes it is entirely “possible” this will take place.

KRCA stated Pearl was last seen wearing a gray sweater, black leggings, and was carrying a black and turquoise backpack. Pearl’s hair was dyed green when she went missing, according to authorities.

Anyone with information regarding Pearl’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 or to contact the Solano County Sheriff’s Office at 707-784-1963.

[Image via Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office]

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