Authorities in Elyria are intensifying efforts to find 16-year-old Vincent Pabon, who has been missing since Thursday morning, suspected to have drowned in the Black River near the East Falls Riverwalk, as reported by Cleveland19. Pabon was last seen in the company of Jacob Rosado, 24, who alerted the police to the incident after both spent the night in the area, allegedly consuming alcohol. According to a statement obtained by The Chronicle, Rosado has since been charged with tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony, and contributing to the unruliness of a minor, a first-degree misdemeanor, as he claimed to attempt to assist Pabon but lost sight of him after also falling into the water.
The search has seen the deployment of dive teams, sonar equipment, submersibles, UAVs with thermal imaging, and canine search units to navigate the challenging terrain, which includes a hazardous steep riverbank and a river depth near the falls reaching up to 30 feet, alongside many ledges, they were looking for Pabon, described as 6'1" tall and weighing 150 pounds, it is reported that additional resources from neighboring agencies have joined in the effort, as Elyria Police Captain Bill Lantz emphasized the commitment to locating the teen, in remarks given to The Chronicle. Notably, Rosado's previous legal history has come into focus, with Lorain County Common Pleas Court records showing a charge of gross sexual imposition in 2021, ending in a guilty plea to a reduced charge of criminal child enticement.
The Elyria Fire Department has spearheaded the immediate search efforts, collaborating with other agencies such as North Ridgeville and Wellington search and rescue teams. The operations persisted well into the evening on Thursday, the officers were scouring riverbanks and adjacent woods with Captain Lantz confirming to FOX8 the extensive use of technology and manpower in this complex search. Elyria officials are also conducting an investigation into the circumstances of Pabon's disappearance, with possible additional charges against Rosado depending on the findings.
In the midst of this ongoing situation, local residents who might have seen Vincent Pabon or Jacob Rosado between the evening of Aug. 6 and the morning of Aug. 7 are urged to reach out to Detective Tyler Loesch, with any relevant information, that could aid in the search or investigation. The community's cooperation could be crucial, anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Loesch via email at [email protected] or by phone at (440) 326-1205, as the efforts to find Pabon continue. "Our hearts are with Vincent’s family during this incredibly difficult time," said Captain Bill Lantz in a sentiment shared across multiple news outlets, reflecting the heightened concern and palpable tension as the search persists. according to FOX8 report.
