Family of Missing Girl Pleads for Her Safe Return

Family and police search for missing Moreno Valley girl

Riverside County authorities are looking for clues and help in the disappearance of a 17-year-old Moreno Valley girl who went missing while on her way home from summer school.

Norma Lopez, missing since Thursday, may have been abducted, according to sheriff's deputies, who found some of her belongings in a vacant lot she regularly walks through.

"We want her back. We miss her, and we want her home safe," her older sister, Sonja Lopez, said at a news conference on Friday.

Norma left Valley View High School, where she attended a summer class between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Thursday, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, and never arrived at her friend's house.

"They looked in a dirt field and along a trail that she normally walks (as a shortcut home)," said Sgt. Joe Borja, referring to a rural area behind the family's residence in the 27300 block of Cottonwood Avenue, near Moreno Beach Drive.

"We found property belonging to her. There were indications of a possible struggle that may have occurred ... We've been working non-stop since she was reported missing," said Borja.

According to the sergeant, a green, late-model sport utility vehicle was seen speeding from the area, and authorities would like to know who it was.

Norma is about 5 feet 7 inches and 110 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black and white horizontal stripe, sleeveless shirt, "skinny" jeans and black shoes, according to the sheriff's department.

Anyone with more information was urged to call the sheriff's dispatch center at (951) 776-1099, or a tip line at (877) 242-4345.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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