Authorities search Yaque del Norte River for missing 14-year-old

Civil Defense brigades have joined the search for a 14-year-old girl reported missing in the Barrero community of Navarrete, Santiago, according to Francisco Alfredo Arias Tolentino, director of Civil Defense in Santiago.

The girl and a 16-year-old girl were reported missing following an incident involving a young man who surrendered to authorities on Sunday and is now under investigation. Authorities are searching for the 14-year-old in the Yaque del Norte River, where she was reportedly last seen after the incident. According to authorities, the minor sustained knife wounds.

The suspect, identified as Edwin Reynaldo Rodríguez Cruz, told police that the girl fled toward the river. He surrendered to the authorities and is expected to face judicial proceedings. Police reported Monday that the 16-year-old was located and taken to a medical center for treatment. Authorities said she was allegedly sexually assaulted.

Arias Tolentino said Civil Defense teams are conducting the search in coordination with their counterparts in Valverde province and the Public Ministry.

“We continue working in a coordinated and permanent manner, with the hope placed in God that we will be able to find the girl and bring peace of mind to her family,” Arias said.