Search continues for missing Lee County 9-year-old

SAN CARLOS PARK, Fla.- A Florida missing child alert has been issued for 9-year-old Diana Alvares, last seen around 2 a.m. Sunday at her home on Unique Circle in the Sheltering Pines Mobile Home Village.

Alvares is 4 feet 4 inches tall, weighs 95 pounds, has dark hair and  brown eyes, as well as two scars on one of her legs. She was last seen wearing a short-sleeve shirt and shorts, and may be carrying a green blanket with flower print.

“I hope this thing that happened to me, don’t happen to nobody else,” said Uribe Jimenez, Alvares’ stepfather. “It’s hard and I know if somebody have a daughter or son, they’re gonna understand me that it’s hard for me.”

Jimenez says authorities took both of their cars for evidence, but he adds there’s no doubt in his mind someone took his daughter.

Although the child’s disappearance does not meet the criteria set forth by law for an Amber Alert, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies are still actively looking for clues, looking through densely wooded areas and going door to door in the neighborhood.

Officials say the 9-year-old did not have any electronic devices on her when she left the home, nor did she have any active social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter.

“She never came outside to play by herself, she never opened the door by herself, any person that knocks on my door she would open the window and go straight to tell me,” Jimenez said.

The family says the 9-year-old is a very responsible young girl and they don’t believe she would have left on her own. They’re pleading with the public for any help.

Anyone with information should call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (239) 477-1000. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES(274637) keyword: REWARD