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August 22, 2005

Police looking for missing deaf woman

From: Press-Enterprise, CA - Aug 22, 2005

By SABRINA BRUMMOND / PE.com

Fontana police are searching for a 19-year-old deaf woman with the mental capacity of a 12-year-old who got into a man's car on Sunday.

Heather Estella Lopez was last seen Sunday about 1:40 p.m. outside her home in the 11300 block of Azur Court, authorities said. A 35-to- 40-year-old man pulled up in front of her home and said in sign language, "hurry-up, get into the car," Fontana Sgt. William Megenney said. Her mother saw the incident and signed, "where are you going?" but received no response as the man drove her daughter away.

Investigators believe Lopez met the man over the Internet. Forensic technicans are looking for clues on her computer, Megenney said.

"Unfortunately, we can't evoke Megan's Law in this situation because she is 19 years old," Megenney said. "But we are doing everything we can to locate her."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fontana Police Department at (909) 350-7740.

Reach Sabrina Brummond at sbrummond@pe.com or (951) 368-5161

© 2005, The Press-Enterprise Company