A Texas teen who has been missing since Christmas Eve is believed to be in “imminent danger,” according to Bexar County law enforcement officials. Camila Mendoza Olmos, 19, was last seen leaving her home early Wednesday morning, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office said.
Sheriff Javier Salazar told media that deputies and volunteers have been searching around the clock. He said investigators are treating the case with urgency because of information developed during the investigation.
What investigators say was captured on video
An unidentified person believed to be Mendoza Olmos was captured on security video around 7 a.m. Wednesday, searching her vehicle for an unidentified item, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators said they believe she left the residence on foot because her vehicle remained there.
Officials said the only items she is believed to have taken were her car keys and possibly her driver’s license. Her last known location was the 11000 block of Caspian Spring in northwest Bexar County, the sheriff’s office said.
Agencies involved and what authorities have ruled out
Multiple agencies have joined the search, including the FBI, which is providing technical assistance, and the Department of Homeland Security, which is monitoring border crossings and international travel, Salazar said. He added that authorities are not limiting the investigation to a small geographic area.
Salazar also said Mendoza Olmos was not detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, despite her being a U.S. citizen. He said the possibility was checked because it was a personal concern raised during the search.
Investigators say no scenario has been ruled out
Authorities said they have not ruled out any explanation for the disappearance, including kidnapping, human trafficking, or the possibility that she left on her own. Salazar said Mendoza Olmos recently went through a romantic breakup, but authorities described it as mutual and said they do not suspect anything “nefarious” involving people close to her, adding that those around her are cooperating.
The sheriff said it was unusual for Mendoza Olmos to leave her phone behind and not return, calling it “highly unusual” given her active lifestyle. He declined to share certain details but said investigators believe she is in “imminent danger.”
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Description and how the public can help
Mendoza Olmos was last seen wearing a baby-blue and black hoodie, baby-blue pajama bottoms, and white shoes, authorities said. Her mother told investigators she normally takes morning walks, but became concerned when she did not return within a reasonable period of time, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities asked neighbors to check home surveillance cameras for any footage that might show where she went. Anyone with information is asked to call the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at (210) 335-6000 or email the BCSO Missing Persons Unit at missingpersons@bexar.org.
Sources:
ABC News – “Search ongoing for Texas teen missing since Christmas Eve”
