Authorities believe a 16-year-old runaway Gilroy girl may be
staying in Hollister with her wanted adult boyfriend, the Gilroy
Police Department said Friday.
Hollister – Authorities believe a 16-year-old runaway Gilroy girl may be staying in Hollister with her wanted adult boyfriend, the Gilroy Police Department said Friday.
Monique Carabajal is believed to have run away with 23-year-old David Campos, who is wanted in Gilroy on statutory rape charges, said Gilroy Police Detective Rosa Quinones.
The girl’s mother, Julia Inigo, said Carabajal left home Aug. 2. Inigo reported her missing three days later.
On Wednesday morning, a San Benito County Sheriff’s deputy spotted Campos walking with Carabajal in the 900 block of San Juan-Hollister Road, but did not know the girl was considered a runaway, the sheriff’s office reported. Sheriff’s Sgt. Tom Keylon said the deputy was told of the warrant for Campos and turned around, but the two were gone.
“It didn’t look like she was being held against her will,” Keylon said. “She was talking on her cell phone.”
It was not the first time Carabajal has left home, Inigo said. The mother became aware of the couple’s relationship about six months ago and went to police.
“She’s taken off about four or five times,” Inigo said. “She has taken off before to be with him.”
Inigo said it is unlike Carabajal to not call home after leaving. She said her daughter has returned home within a few days.
The mother fears the two may be leaving the area entirely, possibly to Modesto or Arizona, she said. Wednesday’s sighting was the last time anyone saw Carabajal, Quinones said.
“As of yesterday, there’s no additional information,” Quinones said Thursday.
Inigo said she has posted 300 flyers around Gilroy and plans more for Hollister. Carabajal is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 125 pounds with brown eyes, brown hair and blonde highlights.
Campos drives a tan Nissan Altima sedan, Gilroy police reported. He is 6 feet tall, weighs 160 pounds, and has brown hair, brown eyes and a tattoo reading “Gonzales” on his chest.
Anyone with information should call Gilroy Police Detective Mitch Madruga at 408-846-0350 or leave an anonymous tip at 408-846-0330.
