Missouri Girl, 3, Vanishes Leaving Behind Pink Bike With Training Wheels

Aug. 9, 2011— -- The FBI has entered the case of Breeann Rodriguez, a 3-year-old Missouri girl who vanished while riding her pink bicycle with training wheels.

The FBI and the marshal's office in the tiny town of Senath have combined to offer a $45,000 reward on information about the girl's whereabouts.

"I was very, very shocked," said Sharon Haddock, who lives kitty-corner to the home where the child and her family live. "It blew my mind. I couldn't believe that anybody would take a child in this town."

According to the FBI, Breeann was riding a pink bicycle with training wheels in the neighborhood with her 5-year-old brother while their mother was inside the home on Saturday afternoon.

"They were both on their bikes, and then he stopped and went in the house to get a drink while she stayed outside," said FBI spokesperson Rebecca Wu. That was the last time that Breeann was seen.

A van seen in the area was investigated by police over the weekend and the driver was brought in for questioning but has been released.

Digital Billboards Seeking Information About Breeann Rodriguez

A second van seen in the days prior to Breeann's disappearance has now become of interest to investigators who are seeking information on what is described as a white cargo-type van without side windows and a mounted ladder on the back.

Wu said investigators are looking for the owner of the van, but said it was one of many leads they are looking into.

Senath is a tiny hamlet in the southeast corner of the state with a population of less than 1,600 people and a non-existent crime rate.

"It's always been very safe here. We haven't had any major crime," said Haddock, a resident of the Senath for 34 years who has raised children on the same street near where Breeann was last seen. She said the street is quiet, filled with older residents and has little traffic.

"It's just such a shock that someone could snatch that child so fast and no one could see it," Haddock said.

Police, who have teamed up with the FBI in the investigation, said that it has yet to be determined if Breeann was abducted, but are seeking the community's help.

"The community's response has been wonderful but we need more people to call us," said Wu. "No matter how insignificant you think your tip is, we see the big picture, so we're asking people to continue to call us."

The department plans to unleash digital billboards of the missing toddler around the area Tuesday.

BreeAnn was last seen wearing a pink top and a pair of pink and purple pants. Police are asking anyone with information to call 866-371-TIPS.