Sheriff’s Deputies Searching for Girl, 6

Nearly 100 Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies combed parts of Norwalk on Sunday in a door-to-door search for a 6-year-old girl who has been missing for two days.

Authorities said they do not suspect foul play in the disappearance of Jaqueline “Jay” Saavedra, who was last seen about 3 p.m. Friday in a parking lot inside the 120-unit Pacific Pointe Apartments in the 13800 block of Shoemaker Avenue.

“We think maybe she wandered off with a friend or resident,” Sgt. Victor Sotelo said.

But neighbors were growing concerned about Jaqueline’s fate.

“When I found out what happened I was so afraid,” said Rose Flores, a resident in the complex. “I always see the kids playing. I never thought this would happen.”

Sally Tellez, another resident, said she never lets her two granddaughters out of her sight when they play outside because there is no central play area for the estimated 300 children in the complex. Many children run around the gated pool area, between apartments or in parking lots, Tellez said.

“When I first got here I had plants,” she said. “But they all died because the kids run around there.”

Jaqueline was last seen playing with dolls in a parking lot about 20 feet from her apartment. A posted sign in the lot reads: “No skateboarding, bicycle riding, roller skating, roller blading, ball playing.” But Tellez said children often disregard the sign.

The apartment community is enclosed by a gate with a sign warning “no trespassers,” but residents say the gate is often left open, and sometimes people jump over a 7-foot concrete wall and vandalize cars.

Danielle Espinoza, 10, who shares an apartment with Jaqueline and her mother, said she is afraid to play outside now unless an adult is with her.

“She is my friend,” Danielle said, pointing to a black-and-white flier depicting a smiling Jaqueline.

Authorities are asking for anyone with information to contact the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station at (562) 863-8711.

“Our goal is to find this child,” Sotelo said. “We’re hoping she’s just sleeping in a neighbor’s house.”