Full Notification

On November 7, 2013, around 12:30 AM, a concerned citizen called the Riverside County Sheriff’s Dispatch and said she saw David Soto at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Ontario Way, in Lakeland Village. She saw him on Tuesday, around 9:00 AM, walking through a vacant property. A patrol team responded to the area and began searching.

Later in the morning, a search team responded to the location and met with the citizen. Based on the citizen’s information, a trail of shoe impressions was located. A search dog was able to follow the scent which led the search team into the hills. After following the scent for about two miles into the hills, David was located. David was happy and appeared to be in good health.

The locating search team consisted of members from the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit, Riverside County Search Dogs, Riverside County Sheriff’s SWAT Team, Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station Detective Bureau and a Riverside County Sheriff’s helicopter. This search was coordinated by Investigator Pelato and all resources were managed by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department would like to thank all the community members and volunteers who assisted with this search. A special thanks to the Citizen Emergency Response Teams, Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit, Desert Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Sheriff’s Mounted Posses, Riverside County Office of Emergency Services, American Red Cross and the Riverside County Search Dogs.

Additionally, the Sheriff’s Department would like to recognize all the media outlets for their outstanding coverage of this event. Their involvement was crucial to David’s safe return. Without the help of these dedicated volunteers, community members, specialists and professionals, we may not have realized such an outstanding outcome.

On November 5, 2013, at 8:45 AM, officers were dispatched to Elsinore High School, located in the 21000 block of Canyon Drive, city of Wildomar, reference a report of a male “special needs” student who left the campus without the permission or approval of school staff.

The student, identified as David Allen Soto (age 18 and a resident of Wildomar), was last seen leaving the campus at approximately 8:00 AM. School staff conducted a search of the surrounding area; however, Soto could not be located. Soon thereafter, law enforcement was notified. Further investigation revealed Soto is autistic and suffers from schizophrenia. He has the mental capacity of a fifteen-year-old. Soto currently takes prescribed medications due to his condition. His parents were also contacted and notified of the circumstances. The investigation is ongoing.

David Allen Soto is described as a Hispanic male adult, 6-00 feet tall, slim build (130 lbs) with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a long sleeve Laker’s hoodie with blue Levi pants and black tennis shoes.

The Wildomar Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance regarding this matter. Please refer any and all information to Lieutenant Zach Hall by calling (951) 445-7951 or dispatch personnel by calling (951) 776-1099.