Search for missing Banning teen expanded to San Gorgonio Pass

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) - Concerns mounted today regarding the welfare of a 16-year-old girl who disappeared after leaving her home in Banning.   

Juliet Ruiz was last seen at about 9:40 p.m. Saturday leaving the Peppertree Apartments at 456 E. Nicolet St., according to the Banning Police Department.

"Family members advised Juliet (left) ... her communication devices,'' Capt. Brandon Smith said. "She was captured on a local business' security camera ... walking alone, southbound on San Gorgonio Avenue, toward the railroad tracks."

After the girl didn't return home within a couple of hours, her loved ones called 911 to report her missing.

Her whereabouts were unknown.

Smith said patrol officers scoured the area but couldn't locate her. Detectives took over the investigation and began canvassing the San Gorgonio Pass, trying to ascertain whether the youth might have been seen since the weekend.

A possible sighting originated from a Ross store in Beaumont, but that turned out to be false, according to Smith.   

Ruiz stands around 5-feet-2 inches tall, weighs 100 pounds and has brown hair. She was last seen wearing a black puffer jacket and black pants.   

Anyone with information on her whereabouts was asked to contact the department at 951-922-3170.