Search for runaway Thousand Oaks teens continues

Authorities were still searching Friday morning for two missing teenagers who they believe ran away from their homes in Thousand Oaks and may be suicidal.

Capt. Dave Wareham of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department said late Thursday that deputies had turned their attention away from a 2,000-acre park and had cast their net wider.

Kaylee Rebert, 14, and Nicholas Marino, 13, are believed to have run away from home early Thursday. Wildwood Park was a likely spot because Kaylee knew the park well and was there Wednesday, Wareham said. Tracking dogs had initially led investigators to Wildwood Park as well, Sgt. Barbara Payton said.

“We searched the whole park with helicopters and canines and other search-and-rescue resources,” Wareham said late Thursday. “We’re of the opinion they’re not in that area.”

Wareham said deputies were investigating the possibility that friends are harboring the two teenagers. Deputies are also monitoring possible transportation options the teens could use and digging for information on social media. Early Friday, watch commander Jerry Hernandez called the practices “a normal part of the investigation.”

Authorities believe the teenagers are runaways because they left notes for their parents. Kaylee’s father and Nicholas’ mother gave statements to media gathered in Wildwood Park on Thursday afternoon pleading for their children to return, according to the Ventura County Star.

“We love you and we miss you,” Chris Marino said. “Please make good decisions. Please call us or contact us when you can.”

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department has asked anyone with information about the teenagers’ whereabouts to call Thousand Oaks Police Department Dispatch at (805) 654-9511.

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