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Parents Suspend Search For Missing OC College Student

CASTAIC (CBSLA.com) — The parents of a missing 19-year-old Orange County college student have suspended their search for him in the area near Lake Castaic.

Bryce Laspisa, of Laguna Niguel, was last heard from on Aug. 30 as he drove south from Northern California after breaking up with his girlfriend.

That same day, authorities found his Toyota Highlander overturned at Castaic Lake on the main boat launch access road with his cell phone, wallet and laptop inside. The vehicle's rear window was also broken and some blood was found inside the SUV.

Bryce's parents, Mike and Karen Laspisa, announced on Facebook that after two weeks of searching around the lake, they believe their son left the area following the crash.

"All other search evidence results and investigative findings indicate Bryce left the recreation area," they wrote. "He may be confused, troubled, or even embarrassed."

While the Laspisas said Castaic Lake "is no longer an area to search unless information is found on the laptop or cell phone to direct us back there," they pledged to continue to post flyers and check shelters, hospitals or other organizations where Bryce may have sought help, according to the Facebook posting.

"We still have hope that Bryce will be found. We love him and just want him home," they wrote.

The Laspisas spoke with CBS2's Tom Wait about reports of various sightings of their son, although none have been confirmed.

"We're just afraid that's he's just not thinking right," Karen Laspisa said.

"If one of these sightings is really is him... he's asking for help, he's looking for money and he wants to get home," she continued.

The parents say they will not give up and are still working with police and searching for answers.

"...Breaking up his girlfriend. We knew that something was going on, because you know he just started school two days into it. And now something happened to make him want to change his course," Mike Laspisa said.

Police are continuing to examine pieces of evidence found inside Bryce Laspisa's vehicle.

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