COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. – A 17-year-old girls soccer player reported missing from Columbia County might be with the head boys soccer coach, according to deputies and the school district.
Authorities said Caitlyn Frisina was reported missing Sunday and is believed to have left her home of her own accord. Before leaving, she fully erased her cellphone, deputies said.
Deputies believe she could be with 27-year-old Rian Rodriguez, who district officials said has been suspended from his position as head boys soccer coach at Fort White High School, pending the investigation.
Authorities believe the two could be in a red Mercury Sable. Deputies said Caitlyn withdrew $200 from an ATM in St. Marys, Georgia, on Sunday.
The teen's mother, Scarlet Frisina, told News4Jax on Monday night that the last 24 hours have been devastating for her and her husband without their daughter.
Scarlet Frisina made an emotional plea, saying she just wants to know her daughter is safe -- wherever she is.
"We don't care why she left. We don't care what's happened," Scarlet Frisina said. "We just want to know that she's safe."
Scarlet Frisina described her daughter as a good, all-American girl and said Rodriguez coached Caitlyn in the past, and he's a longtime family friend.
"She's intelligent. She's athletic. She has a big heart," the mother said. "We just can't imagine what in the world is going on."
Scarlet Frisina also hoped to get a message out to her daughter.
"We want you to let us know that you’re OK. We want you to let someone know that you’re OK," she said. "We want to hear your voice, baby girl. And we want you to come back home."
The mother said she doesn't believe Rodriguez ever posed a threat.
Anyone with information about Caitlyn's whereabouts is asked to call Detective Marszalek at 386-719-2005.
Columbia County School District Superintendent Lex Carswell released a statement Monday, saying the district is cooperating fully with the investigation, and that Rodriguez will be restricted from any contact with students until the investigation is complete.
@Columbiasheriff Detectives need the public's help in locating a missing 17 year old Caitlyn Frisina. Det D Marszalek at 386-719-2005 pic.twitter.com/h9rTznaf0a
— Columbia Sheriff, FL (@ColumbiaSheriff) November 26, 2017