Irving's Police Department issued the following update:
Early this morning, just after midnight, the two missing persons were located near the Trinity River at Loop 12 and Northwest Hwy. Family members had been driving around and looking for the two when they spotted Lopez's truck. Lopez and his daughter were in good condition. Lopez's truck was off the road and stuck in the mud. It appeared as if they had been at the location for some time. Based on officers conversations with Lopez, their observations of the vehicle, the child and the conditions around the truck, Lopez was taken into custody and transported to Parkland Hospital for a mental evaluation. The child was checked by paramedics and cleared to be released to her mother.
Original Story
Irving Police are seeking the public’s help in locating two missing persons. 37-year-old James Florez and his 11-month-old daughter, Victoria Florez, were last seen leaving his mother’s house in Irving at 6:30 p.m., yesterday. A short time later, at about 7 p.m., he spoke with his wife who was at work. Florez told her he was at home and did not mention going anywhere. When his wife arrived home at 9 p.m., they were gone. No one has seen or heard from them since he last spoke with his wife. There were no signs of foul play at the residence and Florez’s truck is gone.
Investigators have learned that Florez is a drug user who is known to stay gone for a number of days while using drugs. Investigators are concerned for the welfare of the child, given Florez’s drug usage. Florez is not answering his cell phone or has turned it off. The phone has been pinged several times and was shown to be in the east Irving or west Dallas area. Officers and investigators have been looking in those areas but have not located them. This is the first time Florez has left with his daughter and not told anyone where he was going.
Family members do not think he is trying to leave with her and fear he is in the area using drugs.
Florez is described as a Hispanic male about 6’1” weighing about 240 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Victoria is a Hispanic female about 2’ weighing about 25 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
Florez’s vehicle is a black 2002 Ford Ranger, Texas license plate BF70017.
Anyone who may have seen or had contact with Florez or knows his whereabouts is asked to contact the Irving Police Department at (972) 273-1010. If you see Florez, his daughter or the vehicle, you should call 911.
