May 26--A man wanted on suspicion of abducting a 15-year-old Bay Area girl was killed in a shootout with sheriff's deputies in Santa Barbara County, according to local media reports.
In a series of tweets beginning just before 4 p.m., the Solano County Sheriff's Office said that the suspect, 19-year-old Fernando Castro of Vallejo, was spotted in Santa Barbara and involved in a pursuit and "possible shootout" with deputies.
KEYT reported that he was killed.
Castro was first holed up in a trailer park in Solvang, but then tried to escape in a truck, KEYT reported. Gunfire was heard, the truck crashed, and then the truck's driver was seen slumped over and not moving in the driver's seat as authorities closed in, the station reported.
Authorities say Castro abducted 15-year-old Pearl Pinson on Wednesday morning. A witness saw her being pulled by a male teen armed with a handgun near a pedestrian bridge that leads into Vallejo, according to the Solano County Sheriff's Office. She was reportedly bleeding and screaming for help as she was dragged away. The witness ran to help and heard a gunshot.
Authorities worked through the night to find Pearl, who hasn't been heard from since about 7 a.m. Wednesday. Sheriff's officials said that she has still not been located, despite finding Castro.
Deputies were called to the pedestrian bridge that crosses Interstate 780, near Home Acres and Taylor avenues in Vallejo. At the over-crossing, deputies found blood on the ground. KTXL-TV reported a cellphone also was found.
Sheriff's investigators believe Pearl was injured based on witness reports and evidence found at the scene, sheriff's spokeswoman Deputy Christine Castillo said.
An Amber Alert alert was issued Thursday afternoon in Northern California.
Authorities said Pearl was an acquaintance of Castro.
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Pearl was last seen wearing a gray sweater, black leggings and a black-and-turquoise backpack. She has green hair.
Anyone with information about Pearl's whereabouts is urged to call Det. Sean Mattson at (707) 784-7061. Callers who want to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (707) 644-7867.
on Twitter.
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UPDATES:
4:54 p.m.: This post was updated with reports that the suspect was found and killed.
This post was originally published at 10:19 a.m.
