SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The San Diego family of a Los Angeles firefighter who may have been kidnapped in Rosarito, Mexico, is speaking out.
It’s been more than two weeks since 20-year veteran LA City firefighter Frank Aguilar was last seen after heading to his second home in Baja, California.
“We’re hopeful. We haven't lost hope,” his local cousin Nancy told ABC10 News. She’s only providing a first name, due to safety concerns. “Nobody seems to know anything and it's very frustrating for the family to not know anything."
On Wednesday, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that his office learned from Mexican authorities that the 48-year-old firefighter may have been violently kidnapped from his Baja condo.
“We will work tirelessly to make sure that Frank is returned safely,” he said in a news conference.
"[The mayor] did mention that he is going to provide all resources from Los Angeles to help get my dad back,” said daughter Amaris Aguilar.
“I had just spoken to my dad the morning that we discovered he was missing. When he left for Rosarito, he was describing how safe or how good he felt in that community. He wanted to retire there,” added daughter Bella Aguilar.
The daughters say that his condo was in a guard-gated community.
His family has told reporters that his phone is off and they've heard that his condo may have been ransacked, his vehicles are missing and Ring video shows a troubling scene.
“We're going to get you back. I love you so, so much,” added Amaris.
Late Thursday, the San Diego FBI spokesperson sent ABC10 News the following statement:
"The FBI is in contact with its Legal Attache located at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City regarding the Los Angeles fireman reported missing. The FBI routinely offers assistance to our Mexican counterparts who have jurisdiction over this situation as it occurred in Mexico. The FBI is providing assistance and resources as requested by our Mexican law enforcement partners. I will refer you to the Mexican authorities for any status on the investigation as they are the lead."
