MISSING RANCHO SAN DIEGO MAN SOUGHT; MAY BE NEAR PINE VALLEY

July 16, 2010 (Pine Valley) – San Diego Sheriff’s office today announced a search for a Rancho San Diego man who was last seen on June 30th. Steve Smith, 47, was reported missing on July 12; his vehicle was towed by California Highway Patrol on July 8 at 2:30 a.m. from the Pine Valley bridge. Smith may be suicidal and in possession of a firearm, according to an investigation by detectives with the Lemon Grove Sheriff substation.

His vehicle was unoccupied and inoperable when found, with damage to the undercarriage indicating it had likely been driven off-road for a time. Pine Valley deputies, detectives and Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, along with U.S. Forest Service officers, began a search last night in the Pine Valley area with the assistance of an A.S.T.R.E.A. helicopter.

Today deputies resumed the search in the area underneath the Pine Valley Bridge and were unable to locate Smith. Smith's cell phone records indicate he is possibly southeast of interstate 8 in Pine Valley.

Smith's address in Rancho San Diego was checked. His garage door was found open. A search of his vehicle did not reveal any more clues to his whereabouts.

Anyone with information on Steven Smith's whereabouts is asked to call the Sheriff's Communications Center at (858) 565-5200.