Authorities Search Ditch For Missing Student

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- A careful search of a drainage ditch in a Natomas field didn't turn up any signs of a student who has been missing for a week, and worried community members are planning to hold a vigil for the missing teen Thursday.

Search and rescue members and cadaver dogs walked along five miles along the ditch Wednesday, trying to rule out the possibility that 17-year-old Sergio Jimenez may have fallen into the water if he had crossed the nearby field while walking home from school last week.

Jimenez was last seen on the NP3 charter school campus on November 2, and police have been combing the surrounding area for any sign of him.

Principal Tom Rutten said people are holding onto hope that Sergio will come home safe, having faith that the lack of evidence of foul play means there will be a good ending to the search.

A candlelight vigil will be held at Peregrine Park in North Natomas at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.