An Amber Alert was issued Saturday afternoon for Parker Wells, a missing 11-year-old autistic Calgary boy.
Earlier Saturday morning, Calgary police released a new image of Parker as the search continues.
The image was captured on a CCTV camera on Thursday, July 16 at 12:52 p.m. It was taken in the 5000 to 6000 block of Travis Crescent N.E.
Despite not meeting the specific criteria for an Amber Alert, Staff Sgt. Rod MacNeil said the Alberta government issued an exception on Saturday afternoon for Parker given the “unique circumstances” of his disappearance.
“While this was not a true Amber Alert, Parker is a vulnerable autistic child, and we are deeply concerned for his well-being given the length of time he has been missing and his specific vulnerabilities,” he told reporters during a Saturday press conference.
“This alert allows us to quickly reach Calgarians with critical information and generate additional awareness as search and investigative efforts continue.”
Calgary police Acting Staff Sgt. Scott Guterson says it’s believed that the last time Parker was seen was in the community of Thorncliffe between 12:30 to 1 p.m. on Thursday.
“We’re asking the public to look at that picture, share that picture with their friends, their family, their neighbours,” he said.
Police say officers, trained search volunteers and workers at partner agencies have been working around the clock to locate Wells after he disappeared from his day home in the 0-100 block of Connaught Drive N.W. sometime between 11:08 and 11:41 a.m. on Thursday.
Parker is autistic and nonverbal, and police say he functions between the level of a two or three-year-old.
He is described as 4’11” tall (150 cm) and approximately 90 pounds (41 kg) with brown hair and brown eyes.
Articles of clothing believed to belong to him were found in the 0 to 100 block of Northmount Drive N.W.
Police believe he is shirtless, wearing grey shorts, black Sketchers and black noise-cancelling headphones.
Police warn that if you see Parker, you should not approach him.
Instead, keep your distance and contact police immediately.
‘Entire city’ asked to check yards
Guterson says the “entire city” is being asked to check their yards, sheds, garages, unlocked vehicles and RVs for Parker.
They’re also being asked to search their hot tubs and pools, as Parker likes water, police say.
“We’re asking everyone in the City of Calgary to check that,” he said.
“The Calgary police need the public’s assistance to help find Parker. There are literally a million eyes out there – we need each and every one of them to do the checks on their property.”
Guterson warned people not to enter anyone else’s private property.
“We have no reason to believe that Parker is not alive.”
Parents ‘incredibly distraught’
Guterson said Parkers’ parents are “incredibly distraught” over the disappearance of their son.
“They’re going through an unspeakable amount of emotional turmoil right now.”
He says more than 200 officers have been working together to search for the boy – a number which continues to grow.
Check your CCTV
Police say search efforts Friday focused on the northwest communities of Cambrian Heights, Thorncliffe, North Haven, North Haven Upper, Highwood, Highland Park, Greenview, Greenview Industrial Park, Nose Hill Park and other surrounding areas.
Police are also asking Calgarians to review their CCTV or dash-cam footage in case they’ve captured video of Parker.
CCTV or dash-cam footage can be uploaded online via the following link: https://cps.ca.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/ca26318270
Don’t interrupt
Police say as the search for Parker continues, the public may notice a heavy police presence in northwest communities, including the HAWCS helicopter, police dogs and police on horseback.
They ask members of the public to not interrupt search teams while they’re working.
No foul play
Police say there is nothing to indicate foul play is involved in Parker’s disappearance.
Instead, it’s believed he simply wandered off.
The case did not originally meet the threshold of an Amber Alert until an exemption was granted Saturday afternoon and one was issued.
Police are working with the Missing Children’s Society of Canada in hopes of finding him.
“The investigation will not stop until he’s found,” Guterson said.
Family issues statement
Saturday afternoon, the CPS shared a statement from Parker’s family.
“Parker is a loved son, brother and friend. Our family is heartbroken by his disappearance.
“Since he went missing, our family has been living every parent’s worst nightmare. Every hour that passes without knowing where he is or whether he is safe has been incredibly difficult for us.
“We are asking everyone in the community to keep an eye out for Parker. Please check your neighbourhoods, parks, green spaces, yards, sheds, garages, hot tubs and other places where he may have found shelter.
“Parker experiences the world in his own way. He may not respond when his name is called, and he can become frightened when approached by people he does not know.
“If you see Parker, please do not approach him. Give him space and call police immediately with his location.
“A single sighting, a piece of video footage, or one small detail could help bring him home safely. Our only wish right now is to know that he is safe and to bring him home.
“The support from our community has been overwhelming. To everyone who has searched, shared his photo, provided information, or kept Parker in your thoughts, thank you. Knowing that so many people care and are looking for our son has given us strength during the most difficult time of our lives.
“Parker is deeply loved, and he is missed immensely. We just want our son home.”
How to help
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call police at 403-266-1234.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
