News Summary
The search for Bryan Vasquez, a 12-year-old autistic boy, has intensified after he went missing for six days in New Orleans. Last seen leaving his home in the Village De L’Est neighborhood, authorities and volunteers have mobilized their efforts, utilizing drones and search dogs. Footage captured just before his disappearance shows him wandering outside in an adult diaper. Concerns for his safety grow as family members advocate for awareness about the challenges faced by non-verbal autistic children. The community remains hopeful for his safe return amidst ongoing rescue operations.
New Orleans—The search for Bryan Vasquez, a 12-year-old autistic boy who is non-verbal, has intensified as he remains missing for six days. Vasquez was last seen leaving his home in the Village De L’Est neighborhood on the morning of August 14, and authorities, including family, friends, and volunteers, are working tirelessly to locate him.
Bryan was reported missing after he exited through a bedroom window early Thursday morning. His last known sighting was captured by a doorbell camera, showing him walking outside at approximately 5:30 a.m. wearing only an adult diaper. His mother reported the incident to authorities shortly after, initiating a large-scale search effort.
Law enforcement is on high alert, with the local 911 log indicating a related call was received at around 10:20 a.m. on the day he disappeared, followed by a police dispatch around 3 p.m. The New Orleans Police Department’s Special Victims Division is now overseeing the investigation. Initially, the case was treated as a rescue mission, and that designation continues as ongoing searches yield no definitive leads.
The search area is particularly challenging, as it includes a nearby canal that flows under Michoud Boulevard, just two blocks from Bryan’s home. Although draining the canal was considered as part of the search efforts, authorities have currently decided against it. The use of drones, divers, and boats has been deployed to navigate the murky waters filled with debris and thick vegetation. The Vice-President of the United Cajun Navy expressed concerns about the difficulties posed by the terrain, which is home to various wildlife, including alligators.
On Tuesday, advanced technology such as thermal drones was employed to detect movement in the swampy landscape. Search teams are actively canvassing the neighborhood, urging local residents to review their security camera footage and check their backyards and under their houses for any signs of Bryan. The response has been significant, involving first responders, family, friends, and numerous volunteers.
As the days have progressed, the family has gathered to express their fears and concerns, suggesting that Bryan may have been abducted. Despite the challenges, hope remains strong among his relatives and the community that he will be found safe.
In addition to drones, bloodhounds and cadaver dogs were dispatched on Monday to aid in the search. This has heightened the urgency for everyone involved, as they continue to explore every avenue and follow potential leads that may indicate Bryan’s whereabouts.
Vasquez communicates through physical gestures, such as banging on objects or moving toward people, complicating the search further due to his non-verbal nature. Family members are advocating for more awareness about the situation, emphasizing the challenges faced by children with autism when they become lost.
Authorities remain committed to finding Bryan Vasquez and are treating the ongoing efforts with the highest priority. The intersection of community involvement and official resources highlights the collective concern for his safety as the search heads into another day.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Search Ongoing for Missing 12-Year-Old in New Orleans
Search Continues for Missing Autistic Boy in New Orleans
Search Efforts Intensify for Missing New Orleans Boy
Urgent Search Continues for Missing Boy in New Orleans
Intensified Search for Missing 12-Year-Old in New Orleans
Search Underway for Missing 12-Year-Old in New Orleans
Urgent Search for Missing 12-Year-Old Boy in New Orleans
Intensified Search for Missing 12-Year-Old in New Orleans
Search Underway for Missing Autistic Boy in New Orleans
Additional Resources
- WWLTV: Search Continues for Missing 12-Year-Old in New Orleans
- Wikipedia: Bryan Vasquez
- WDSU: Nonverbal Child Missing in Canal Drain
- Google Search: Bryan Vasquez Missing
- Fox 8 Live: Missing 12-Year-Old Bryan Vasquez
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missing Children
- NOLA: Missing Boy Search
- Google News: Missing Autistic Children
- WAFB: Search Continues for Missing Nonverbal Boy
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
