SAN DIEGO -- A high-ranking San Diego police official said in remarks published Friday that he is confident there will soon be a break in the case of missing 7-year-old Danielle van Dam.

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"We will solve this case sooner rather than later," Assistant Chief Steve Creighton told The San Diego Union-Tribune. "We have a ton of evidence that we are meticulously going over. We are making progress."

Creighton's remarks were published only two days after police, for a third time, searched the home of David A. Westerfield, who lives just two doors from the van Dam home.

Police refused to say what they may have found in the home of the 50-year-old, who has been the focus of the investigation into what police say was an apparent kidnapping.

Twice before, detectives took service dogs through Westerfield's house, and he has been under 24-hour police surveillance in the days since Danielle's disappearance.

In addition, Westerfield has submitted a sample of his DNA to authorities for analysis.

During the initial searches, officers carted off boxes and bags full of household items. Police also impounded his sport utility vehicle and the motor home he took to the Imperial County desert over the weekend the girl vanished.

Still, authorities have referred to the neighbor only as a "potential suspect" and have not taken him into custody.

Danielle's father, meanwhile, said he plans to join concerned citizens in scouring arid wilderness areas around Glamis, Borrego Springs and Ocotillo over the Presidents' Day weekend.

The search for the girl has included those vast open areas because Westerfield took a trip there around the time Danielle vanished.

Brenda van Dam said her husband's plan to help comb those wastelands was helping him cope with the ordeal of his child's disappearance.

"You know, it's harder for me to have to stay here in the house. But I know that's what I have to do, just in case I'm needed by the investigators," she said.

Parents Release Video Of Danielle

Video

Danielle van Dam Video Montage

Trying to keep the focus on her missing daughter, Brenda van Dam Friday released a new video of the 7-year old girl.

Outside the family's Sabre Springs home, the mother said the video is a collection of photos from Danielle's life put to music.

As the search moves into its third week, Brenda van Dam told reporters that she was glad to hear police have said they will solve Danielle's case (quote) "sooner rather than later."

Rewards offered in connection with Danielle's disappearance now total $185,000. Some are offered for her safe return. Others are payable in the event of an arrest and conviction.