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Norma Lopez, Southern California Teen, Missing; Abduction Feared

Southern California Teen Norma Lopez Missing, Evidence Points to Abduction
Norma Lopez (Riverside County Sheriff's Dept.)

MORENO VALLEY, Calif. (CBS/AP) Authorities fear foul play in the disappearance of a high school student from Southern California who has been missing for five days.

Norma Lopez was on her way home from a summer class at Valley View High School in Moreno Valley when she decided to take a short cut through a field; however, the 17-year-old never made to her home where her sister Sonja Lopez and a friend were waiting.

The girls took the investigation into their own hands, but after hours of unsuccessful searching decided to call police and report that Norma Lopez had gone missing.

Unfortunately, Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. Joe Borja says police discovered personal items belonging to the 17-year old scattered along a route which had become second nature to Norma.

He indicated that he believed there was a struggle and didn't believe that the missing teenager had just run away.

"We do not believe she's a runaway. If we did believe that, we wouldn't be here today," Borja told reporters at a news conference Friday. "If Norma's out there, we're looking for you. If you haven't been taken, please call. We're worried about you."

Police are looking for a driver and passengers in a newer model green sport utility vehicle that was seen in the area Thursday.

At Friday's news conference, Sonja pleaded with her sister and anyone who may know of her whereabouts.

"I just wanted to say if you know anything about her, just contact us in any way. And if you're watching, sis, please call us. We just need you back. We're not mad at you or anything."

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