Urgent Alert: Missing Teen Sought in Salinas Area

Key Takeaways

• California Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert for 14-year-old Diana Galvez Ortega and her father, 38-year-old Sergio Galvez Perez.
• The teen was last seen around 2 a.m. on August 4 near Constitution Boulevard and East Laurel Drive in Salinas.
• Authorities suspect Perez raped and impregnated his daughter, who subsequently gave birth to an infant found deceased on August 1.
• Perez faces multiple charges including incest, child concealment, and child endangerment.
• Physical descriptions and vehicle details are provided, with authorities urging the public to call 911 immediately if spotted.

A critical public safety alert has been activated across California following the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl in Monterey County. Law enforcement agencies are working urgently to locate the minor and ensure her safety amid growing concerns surrounding a tragic infant death.

Details of the Amber Alert

The California Highway Patrol confirmed that an Amber Alert was issued on Sunday for Diana Galvez Ortega. The investigation began after reports surfaced regarding her whereabouts late at night. Officials state she was last seen in the vicinity of Constitution Boulevard and East Laurel Drive in Salinas on August 4.

Suspect and Vehicle Description

Investigators are tracking 38-year-old Sergio Galvez Perez, who has been identified as the teenager’s father. The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office has formally filed criminal charges against Perez for sexually assaulting his child. He is wanted on suspicion of incest, child concealment, and child endangerment. Authorities believe he raped and impregnated his daughter, who subsequently gave birth to an infant found deceased by the side of Struve Road on August 1. The newborn has been identified by investigators as Baby Angelita. They were traveling in a white Nissan Altima that lacks front or rear license plates. Diana is described as standing approximately 4 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 100 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Sergio is described as a Hispanic man who stands about 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs roughly 170 pounds, also with black hair and brown eyes. Officials emphasize that locating Ortega and ensuring she is safe remains their immediate priority. “We want to make sure her well-being is addressed and that she receives any medical care she may need,” according to the sheriff’s office.

If you see them, you are asked to call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to intervene directly.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office requested the alert after investigators located surveillance video confirming the pair were traveling together. We understand there have been questions about why an Amber Alert was not previously requested, officials stated in a press release. Until this video was located, investigators did not have information identifying a vehicle in which Diana may have been traveling and were also unable to confirm with certainty that Diana and Sergio were traveling together. Emergency responders emphasize that bystanders should prioritize their own safety while reporting sightings. The absence of license plates on the suspected vehicle makes identification challenging, increasing the urgency for community assistance.

Local California Context

This incident places significant pressure on local Monterey County resources, particularly the Salinas Police Department and CHP patrols. Communities across the region are being advised to remain vigilant, especially during nighttime hours. Local schools and neighborhood watch groups have been notified to assist in spreading awareness quickly. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office noted that the warrant issued for Perez is a Ramey warrant, meaning it was authorized by a judge based on probable cause without district attorney involvement. While initially treated as a victim, prosecutors have recently indicated they have not yet finalized a charging decision regarding the 14-year-old girl. Furthermore, officials confirmed that prosecutors are reviewing potential charges against the teen’s mother. No child should ever have to endure such horrific circumstances, the department stated.

Background

Amber Alerts are typically reserved for cases involving imminent danger to minors, often when abduction or foul play is suspected. Historical data shows that rapid community engagement and precise vehicle descriptions significantly improve recovery rates in similar high-priority searches.

Conclusion

Residents are strongly encouraged to keep an eye on traffic patterns and report any suspicious activity near Salinas. Your quick action could be instrumental in resolving this case safely. For real-time updates, monitor official CHP announcements and local news outlets.