Search Continues For Missing Man After Temecula Standoff

TEMECULA, CA — Investigators are still trying to piece together the mysterious disappearance of a San Diego County resident who remains missing days after a man authorities were searching for in connection to the case killed himself during a standoff in Temecula.

Family and friends of Francisco "Frank" Torres continued their search on Tuesday and are planning to meet every day at 9:00 a.m. at Pauma Heritage Quick Stop in Pauma Valley until the 61-year-old man has been found.

Authorities said 66-year-old Derek R. Arnett of Temecula was a person of interest in connection with Torres' disappearance.

RELATED: Temecula Man Connected To Missing Person Killed Himself During Standoff: Sheriff

During their investigation, authorities located Torres' vehicle abandoned near a park in Temecula on Friday. Investigators from the Central Homicide Unit got involved in after they were notified about the vehicle.

For reasons not disclosed, detectives turned their attention to Arnett and initiated a search to detain him for questioning, authorities said.

On Wednesday morning, Arnett's vehicle was seen traveling through the intersection of Wolf Valley Road and Wolf Valley Creek Drive. Authorities followed the vehicle into a parking lot near Pechanga Parkway in Temecula where the vehicle parked, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Believing Arnett may have a weapon, the sheriff's emergency services team responded to the scene. When deputies reached Arnett, they saw he sustained injuries consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

Deputies attempted lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived. Arnett was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Torres was described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 187 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about the investigation was asked to contact Riverside County Sheriff's Department at 951-955-2777.

Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts can get help by calling 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Calls are routed to the nearest crisis center in a national network, where callers receive crisis counseling and mental health referrals.

City News Service contributed to this report.