News Summary
The family of Bryan Vasquez, a 12-year-old boy with autism missing for over a week, is calling on the public for help. Bryan was last seen leaving home on August 14. Surveillance footage shows him shortly thereafter. While authorities are involved, the family is critical of the delayed police response and urges the community to conduct extensive searches. They believe Bryan is still alive and hope for his safe return amidst ongoing search efforts supported by various law enforcement agencies and community volunteers.
New Orleans – The family of Bryan Vasquez, a 12-year-old boy with autism who has been missing for over a week, is urging the public for assistance as search efforts continue. Bryan was last seen around 5 a.m. on August 14, when he left his home by climbing out of his bedroom window. Surveillance footage shows him shortly after he exited, wearing only an adult diaper.
After leaving home, Bryan was caught on security cameras at two different times: at 5:20 a.m. and again at 6:30 a.m., just a few blocks from his residence. His family reported him missing at 10 a.m. the same day; however, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) did not respond to this report until nearly five hours later, arriving at the family’s home around 3 p.m.
Family spokesperson Cristine Rosales Fajardo has criticized the NOPD for this delay, indicating that immediate action could have potentially helped in finding Bryan sooner. While the family maintains belief that Bryan is alive, they are appealing to the community for support in conducting thorough search efforts. This includes urging residents to check overgrown areas and review local security camera footage for any clues about his whereabouts.
In addition to family-led searches, authorities from various law enforcement agencies—including the Louisiana State Police, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service—have joined the search. Ground, aerial, and water searches are ongoing in different parts of New Orleans East, especially focusing on the Michoud Canal area, due to safety concerns regarding children with autism being attracted to water.
The NOPD is internally reviewing how they handled the initial missing person report but has stated that the search for Bryan remains a priority. They have called on local residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings or relevant information about him. A “Level Two Endangered Missing Child Advisory” was issued for Bryan by the Louisiana State Police, although the family has also requested that officials consider issuing an AMBER Alert-even though state policy stipulates that confirmation of abduction is required for such alerts to be issued.
Bryan is described as nonverbal and is known to wander, a common behavior in approximately 50% of children on the autism spectrum. His sister, Brianna Vasquez, has expressed her concern and love, emphasizing the deep longing for her brother’s return.
Volunteer support in the search efforts has grown significantly, a testament to the community’s dedication to locating Bryan. Family members remain resolute in their commitment to not lose hope while engaging with community volunteers actively searching in Bryan’s neighborhood.
Those participating in the search have emphasized the need for comprehensive efforts that include canvassing local areas where Bryan might have wandered. As the community unites in asking for assistance, the family is determined to exhaust every option in the hope of bringing Bryan home safely.
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Additional Resources
- WWLTV: Search Enters Second Week for Missing 12-Year-Old Bryan Vasquez
- WWLTV: Family Calls for Action as Search for Bryan Vasquez Continues
- Fox 8: Five-Hour Gap in NOPD Response to Missing Bryan Vasquez
- WDSU: One Week Mark in Search for Missing Boy
- WWLTV: Thermal Drones and Divers Deployed in Search for Bryan Vasquez
- Google Search: Bryan Vasquez Missing
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.
