Update: Arrest Made, but Search Continues for Missing Woman

Carlsbad police arrested a 43-year-old Fallbrook man Friday morning in connection with the disappearance of Kathleen Scharbarth, a Carlsbad woman who has been missing since Wednesday night, according to police.

Michael David Robles was arrested for suspicion of the kidnapping and homicide of Scharbarth, according to Carlsbad police Lt. Paul Mendes. Despite Robles’ arrest, authorities are still searching for her in hopes she will be found alive.

Carlsbad police are searching the area where Scharbarth was last seen, near her home in the 3100 block of Via Puerto. They are receiving assistance from the San Diego County and Orange County sheriff’s Search and Rescue teams, and special agents with the California Department of Justice.

Carlsbad Police continue to ask for the public’s help in locating Scharbarth, and have released an updated description of her: white female; 35 years old; 5 feet 5 inches tall; 125 pounds; long, straight blond hair; blue eyes. She was last seen wearing black velour pants and a purple thermal shirt.

Police are also seeking information about Robles’ whereabouts from 11 p.m. Wednesday to around 11 p.m. Thursday. Anyone who has information about Robles during this time span is asked to call Carlsbad police at 760-931-2197.

Police described Robles as a Hispanic male, 5 feet 11 inches tall; 225 pounds; medium-length, thick black hair; brown eyes. He may have been associated with a gold Nissan Maxima and a silver Toyota Landcruiser.

Robles was booked into the Vista Detention Facility without bail, according to Carlsbad police.

Police have obtained search warrants for Scharbarth’s residence in Carlsbad and Robles’ residence in Fallbrook, according to Mendes. What has been recovered from those searches has not been released.

Police have not disclosed the relationship between Scharbarth and Robles. On Thursday night, Carlsbad police issued a press release asking for the public’s assistance locating Scharbarth, who was considered a “missing person involving suspicious circumstances.” Media reports have identified Robles as a former boyfriend of Scharbarth.

SignOnSanDiego.com reported that Scharbarth has had a restraining order against Robles since Nov. 17.