More questions than answers in FBI search of Thermal Home
THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) New details are emerging about the FBI search carried out Friday at a home on Harlequin Court in Thermal, as authorities clarify their roles and News Channel 3 obtains new video and photos from the scene.
The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to News Channel 3 that its deputies were not conducting the investigation tied to the search and were only assisting the Federal Bureau of Investigation in a limited role.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies provided traffic and spectator support only, while the FBI conducted what officials described as the search-investigation at the residence.
“The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office assisted the FBI on Friday with traffic and spectator support only,” the agency said in an email. “The FBI was conducting the search-investigation. The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office is not currently investigating the case you inquired about. I would refer all questions to the FBI for further information.”
News Channel 3 has obtained new video showing the moment FBI agents arrived at the property, including audio in which agents can be heard using a loudspeaker to announce their presence before entering the home. We have also obtained new photos of police canines used during the search, images that had not previously been released.
Federal officials have previously confirmed the FBI was assisting with a state-issued warrant, but have not publicly detailed what prompted the search or whether it is connected to the disappearance of 17-year-old T’Neya Tovar.
Neighbors told News Channel 3 that agents canvassed the area and asked questions related to Tovar’s disappearance, but law enforcement has not confirmed whether the search was tied to a missing persons investigation.
The FBI has not yet responded to follow-up questions seeking clarification on the scope of the investigation, what resources were used, or whether the activity is related to a missing persons case or another type of federal or multi-jurisdictional investigation.
This story remains developing. News Channel 3 has reached out to the FBI and will update this article as soon as additional information is confirmed.
