Student Missing After String of Attacks at Southern CA College

An art student living in a Southern California college community that has been grappling with a wave of violent crime has disappeared, police said Tuesday.

Sahray Astina Barber may have gone missing early Monday morning after leaving her apartment complex in the 1500 block of Northpark Boulevard in San Bernardino, officials with the San Bernardino Police Department said.

Her parents say they are desperate to see their 22-year-old daughter again.

"It’s just not like her to go off on her own like this," said Barber's father, Stephen Barber. "Sahray, we love you. We can’t wait to have you back in our arms."

About 6 a.m., Barber, an Art Institute of California – Inland Empire graphic design student, was possibly heading to a nearby bus stop on her way to school, police said. Some of her personal belongings, including a laptop and her cellphone, were found in vegetation about 30 yards away from the bus stop.

Searchers on motorcycle and horseback were searching for clues in the hills just north of Barber’s home, where she lives with two roommates, who reported her missing.

Barber’s disappearance comes on the heels of a series of violent crimes at California State University, San Bernardino, which is across the street from her apartment.

On Sunday, a female student fought of an attacker who tried to kidnap her on campus.

An attempted rape, carjacking and a strong-arm robbery also took place in the last two weeks, a school spokesman said.

Police said there's no known connection between the crimes and Barber's disappearance.

"We are concerned due to recent events in the area, however we have no concrete evidence that for sure tells us there’s any kind of foul play right now," said San Bernardino Police Lt. Richard Lawhead.

Barber’s parents said their daughter has some martial arts training.

“She would have been able to handle herself, unless she was overwhelmed,” Barber’s father said.

Police have questioned Barber’s ex-boyfriend and her roommates about her disappearance.

Investigators said they don’t have any solid leads.

“That laptop hopefully will have some evidence on it. It has been taken to the sheriff’s high-tech crime unit for analysis,” Lawhead said.

Barber was described as White, about 5-foot-8-inches tall, weighing 125 pounds. She has long red-brown straight hair and green eyes.

Anyone with information was asked to call San Bernardino police at 909-384-5623.