Vallejo Teen Abduction Suspect Killed In Gunfight With Police
SOLVANG, Santa Barbara County (CBS SF) -- A 19-year-old suspected in the violent abduction of a Vallejo teenage girl was killed in a gun battle Thursday with police in a Solvang trailer park, according to media reports.
KEYT reported that medics at the scene of the shootout have confirmed that a suspect believed to be Fernando Castro had died of his wounds. There was no sign of missing teenager Pearl Pinson who Castro allegedly abducted off of a Vallejo street.
The Solano County Sheriff's Department texted out that the car of Fernando Castro was spotted in southern San Luis Obispo County late Thursday afternoon.
Meanwhile, local media in the area was reporting that Castro had abandoned the vehicle -- a gold 1997 Saturn four-door with a California license plate of 5XZD385 -- and fled from officers all the while exchanging gunfire with them.
At 3:36 p.m. a reverse 911 call went out to the residents of a trailer park located near Val Verde and Fjord Drive in Solvang telling them to shelter in place because the suspect had reportedly raced into the park.
A short time later, reports said, Castro had commandeered a pickup truck and was again exchanging fire with police.
At 4:03 p.m., Castro was reportedly slump over the steering wheel of the vehicle and not moving.
An Amber Alert issued earlier in the day had been cancelled, authorities said. The Amber Alert was issued for the girl who was last seen screaming for help as she was abducted.
According to the Solano County Sheriff's Office, Pinson was last seen on Thursday in the area of Home Acres and Taylor Ave at the I-780 pedestrian over-crossing in Vallejo.
In a Facebook post, the sheriff's office said a witness saw a white female being pulled by an Hispanic male armed with a gun on the over-crossing. Her face was bleeding and she was yelling for someone to help her. The witness ran for help and a shot was heard, the post said.
Deputies arrived and found blood on the ground, but no one was found in the area. The sheriff's office we are not able to confirm if Pearl was shot or the extent of her injuries.
Castro had forcibly abducted the girl and was on the run. Deputies searched for Castro's gold 1997 Saturn four-door throughout Northern California.
Pinson and Castro are known acquaintances, but the exact nature of their relationship was not immediately revealed.
A tip line has been established for the community to report information they may have in this investigation. Please call 707-784-1963. If you have URGENT information please call Solano Dispatch at 707-421-7090 or by dialing 9-1-1.
