The search continues for a non-verbal, 12-year-old missing boy, who has been missing for more than a week.
Bryan Vasquez went missing last Thursday around 5 a.m. from his New Orleans East home.
The New Orleans Police Department and Crimestoppers held a news conference Friday, asking the community to come forward with any information that might help with the search.
New documents show that the New Orleans Police Department did not respond to the call reporting him missing until five hours after the 911 call.
According to the NOPD calls for service, the initial call regarding Vasquez was made around 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14.
The NOPD did not respond until 3 p.m. that day, which is five hours after the first 911 call.
His family says Bryan Vasquez has autism, and left out of his bedroom window around 5 a.m.
Just blocks away from his home and less than an hour later, Vasquez was spotted on surveillance video only wearing an adult diaper, but there has been no sign of him since.
The NOPD issued the following statement regarding the family’s news conference:
“The New Orleans Police Department, led by our Special Victims Division, is working around the clock with the Louisiana State Police, U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and multiple parish partners to locate 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez. This remains an open and active investigation, and our absolute priority is bringing Bryan Vasquez home safely.
“We understand the family’s anguish and are reviewing all aspects of the response internally. At this time, however, our focus is squarely on locating Bryan Vasquez, and we continue to urge anyone with information to immediately call 911.”
The NOPD provided the following statement Thursday regarding the search:
“The New Orleans Police Department continues to work alongside multiple partners in the effort to locate 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez. Today’s coordinated search efforts involve the Louisiana State Police, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, and numerous other agencies, community groups, and local organizations.
“While Bryan has not yet been located, the combined commitment of law enforcement and the community remains strong. Detectives continue to canvass neighborhoods, pursue investigative leads, and deploy specialized resources to support the search.
“We are urging residents to remain engaged — review security camera footage, check outdoor areas and spaces where a child may hide, and immediately report any possible sightings.
“Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or contact the NOPD Special Victims Division at 504-821-2222.”
The NOPD also asked that the following message be shared for the Spanish-speaking community:
“ACTUALIZACIÓN: Continúa la búsqueda del niño desaparecido de 12 años, Bryan Vásquez
“El Departamento de Policía de Nueva Orleans continúa trabajando en coordinación con múltiples agencias para localizar a Bryan Vásquez, de 12 años.
“También, la búsqueda incluye la participación de organizaciones locales y grupos comunitarios.
“Aunque Bryan aún no ha sido localizado, el compromiso conjunto de las autoridades y de la comunidad permanece firme. Los detectives continúan recorriendo vecindarios, siguiendo pistas y utilizando recursos especializados para apoyar la búsqueda.
“Se solicita a los residentes que permanezcan atentos: revisen las grabaciones de sus cámaras de seguridad, inspeccionen sus patios, terrenos y cualquier lugar donde un niño pudiera esconderse, e informen de inmediato sobre cualquier posible avistamiento.
“Quienes tengan información pueden llamar al 911, comunicarse con la División de Víctimas Especiales del NOPD al 504-658-6267, o con Crimestoppers al 504-822-1111. Por favor, sepan que pueden proporcionar información de manera anónima.”
READ MORE:Search efforts continue for non-verbal 12-year-old boy
