A 17-year-old Florida high school soccer player has run away with a boy’s soccer coach in Columbia County, authorities say.
According to police, the teenager first erased all data from her cellphone and escaped through a window at her home.
Police are investigating leads to find Caitlyn Frisina, who is now apparently with Rian Rodriguez, 27, the head coach of a boy’s soccer team at Fort White High School.
She was last seen withdrawing $200 from an ATM in St. Marys, Georgia, on Sunday, Nov. 26.
Rodriguez is reported to be driving a red Mercury Sable.
Mother Scarlet Frisina told First Coast News: “It was a real shock when I went in to get them up Sunday morning and she was gone.”
Caitlyn’s father said he regarded Rodriguez as a “family friend” and had helped him to get his job as a coach.
“We don’t understand. We don’t know why this was the course of action,” he told First Coast News.
Mrs. Frisina wrote a heartfelt post on Facebook pleading for her daughter’s return.
She wrote: “Caitlyn Morgan, Punkin, Daddy and I want you to know how very much we love you and miss you! We’re not sure why you chose to go, but know that all we care about is knowing whether or not you’re safe!!
“We can work out any issues. We’re here with open arms praying for your safety! Please let us know that you’re ok.
“Day or night, no matter what; no judgement, no anger…just know we’re here and we love you more than you can imagine!”
Caitlyn’s father also took to Facebook to appeal for information on his daughter.
He wrote: “She left with only a few clothes. She left her phone. Her family loves her and more than anything else wants to know she is safe and not in danger! Help us get in contact with her anyway possible!”
School officials said Rodriguez had been suspended from his position.
According to the Daily Mail, the Columbia County School District said in a statement: “The Columbia County School District is cooperating fully with the Columbia County Sheriff’s office with regard to an investigation against one of our current supplemented employees.
“The employee has been suspended pending this investigation and is no longer serving in the supplemented capacity as Head Boys’ Soccer Coach at Fort White High School.
“Depending on the outcome of this investigation the information may be sent to FLDOE to determine if any violations of the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida or local School Board Policy have occurred.
“Again, the employee has been suspended and will be restricted from all contact with students. No other comments will be made pending this investigation.”
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