SQUAW VALLEY - The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a reported missing person, possibly under suspicious circumstances.

Wednesday morning, shortly after 5:00am, deputies responded to a missing person call at a residence located on George Smith Road in Squaw Valley.  Upon arrival, deputies contacted the owner of the home who reported that his 20 year old son, Spencer Scarber, was missing.

The rape suspects faither Kyle Scarber, who is an assistant chief in the California Highway Patrol's Central Division, reported that he had last seen his son at the residence earlier that morning at 1:30am.  At 4:00am, he checked on his son but could not find him in the residence.

While checking outside the residence, the father discovered a small amount of blood in the roadway in front of the house, as well as a set of crutches his son had been using recently.

Deputies and detectives, as well as air support, responded to the scene and searched the area but could not find Scarber. Scarber is described as a white male, 5-9/155 pounds with short brown hair and hazel colored eyes.

Scarber was arrested last year in connection with a rape. The victim, a 35 year old female, reported she had been inside the residence when she was approached from behind by an unknown male subject, later identified as Scarber.  He was wearing a mask and was armed with a knife. 

Scarber forced the victim to undress after which he sexually assaulted her.  He then fled the residence. Sexual assault detectives were called out and developed information identifying Scarber as the assailant.

The investigation has revealed that Scarber and the victim did not know each other. Scarber was booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges of rape by force, kidnap to commit rape, sexual penetration with force, assault with a deadly weapon, and burglary. He was out on bail and in the middle of his trial. He is facing 112 years in prison if found guilty.

Detectives are concerned for Scarber’s safety due to the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 488-3111, or CrimeStoppers at 498-STOP(7867).

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Photo of Kyle Scarber from Inland Press