HOUSTON -- A 13-year-old Houston girl is missing after going to get a Sunday newspaper for a school project at a nearby gas station, authorities said.

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Girl's Family Speaks Out Hear More On The Investigation

Investigators told News2Houston that Laura Ayala left her home at around 10:15 p.m. Sunday to buy the paper at the Conoco Station, 2610 Broadway, in southeast Houston.

Ayala had asked her mother for some money to buy the paper for a school assignment that was to be completed during spring break, authorities said.

"The girl was gone for about five minutes," Houston Police Sgt. Mike Peters said. "The mother came out looking for her at the gas station that's right behind their apartment complex."

The clerk told police that Ayala did come into the store alone and purchased a newspaper and left.

While family members were searching for Ayala, they found her shoes and the paper scattered on the route to the store, authorities said.

Investigators said that the fact that Ayala's shoes were found makes the incident very suspicious.

In Spanish, Ayala's mom pleaded for the public's help.

"Please, give me back my daughter," Angelica Rebollar said.

Police described Ayala as an Hispanic female, about 4 feet tall, and weighing about 90 pounds. She has black, medium-length straight hair with brown highlights.

Ayala was last seen wearing a blue and white checkered dress.

Investigator said that they are also looking for a possible suspect.

"He's described as an Hispanic male," Officer John Cannon said, "driving in a rusty-colored, or red or maroon type cargo van that has back windows, but may not have side windows."

The van also has a gray bumper, authorities said.

Police search dogs and a helicopter crew have also been brought in to search for Ayala.

Investigators said that will also be speaking with all 30 registered sex offenders, who live within a two-mile radius of Ayala's home, located at 7939 Serita, in southeast Houston.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Houston Police Department at (713) 308-3600.