Sheriff’s office asking public for help finding missing Lompoc man
This story has been updated to provide images and detailed description of the man's motorcycle.
LOMPOC, Calif. - The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help to locate a missing man.
50-year-old John Mario Fuegos of Lompoc was reported missing Friday. He was last seen Monday, May 24 leaving his home on his motorcycle.
Fuegos' wife said her husband was originally headed toward Arizona but at around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, May 25, he texted his loved ones that he was in Fillmore and was planning on heading back home. He sent another text several hours later and has not been heard from since.
On Tuesday, sheriff's deputies searched the area along Highway 101 and Highway 1 and a helicopter searched overhead, but Fuegos was not found. Based on cell phone records, another search was held in the area of Toro Canyon Road, San Ysidro, Highway 192 and Highway 101. A CHP helicopter assisted with that search as well, but Fuegos remains missing.
He was last seen riding his black 2003 Yamaha R1 motorcycle with California license plate 22P6615. Fuegos' motorcycle had sections of the plastic fairing removed around the front end. The sheriff's office provided a photo of a similar motorcycle.
He was wearing "motorcycle type clothing," according to the sheriff's office.
Anyone who might have seen him or know his whereabouts is urged to contact the Sheriff's Criminal Investigations Bureau at 805-681-4150. You can also call the anonymous tip line at 805-681-4171 or submit an anonymous tip online.