Search resumes for Stockton high school student who went missing after jumping into river

STOCKTON —  Authorities resumed the search Saturday for a 15-year-old Stagg High School student who went missing Wednesday afternoon after jumping into the Calaveras River near the Stockton campus.

The Stockton Unified School District said four students fought on campus at around 2 p.m. When the school resource officer (SRO) approached to get their names, two of the students, who the district said were wearing ski masks, ran away and jumped into the levee that led to the river.

"So [the SRO] went on the levee to make efforts to identify them and he saw them in the middle island, which means they had already crossed the initial waterway," district Police Officer Mayra Franco said.

Both students got back in the water again, attempting to make it to the far side of the levee. One student came up out of the water, and the other did not.

Crews have been searching the water every day since Wednesday afternoon. On Friday, the sheriff's office said an underwater search was again being conducted until they lost visibility.

On Saturday, crews were expected to only search the surface and land around the area.

"We still have hope that he's out there and that he's just scared and not coming forward. So we're going to keep that hope. The family is keeping that hope," district Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez said Thursday.

Officials say they have to work with the currents and can only use their latest and greatest tech during daylight hours.

A family member of the missing student told CBS13 they would not speak publicly until they had answers. 

A Stockton Unified spokesperson said counselors and mental health clinicians are available for students, teachers and staff.

Stagg High School sits across from the river along Brookside Road. In 2022, a campus intruder there stabbed and killed 15-year-old student Alycia Reynaga.

In:
• San Joaquin County
• Stockton