News Summary
Bryan Vasquez, a 12-year-old boy with autism, has been missing for seven days in New Orleans. Authorities have launched a Level II Endangered Missing Child advisory and community volunteers are assisting in search efforts. Bryan is non-verbal, requires medication, and was last seen leaving home wearing only a diaper. The community remains hopeful and engaged in the search, while experts emphasize the urgency of locating wandering autistic children.
New Orleans – Bryan Vasquez, a 12-year-old boy on the autism spectrum, has been missing for seven days after he left his home in Village de L’Est, New Orleans. He was last seen August 14, when he reportedly exited through a bedroom window early that morning. Bryan, who is non-verbal and requires daily medication, was captured on Ring doorbell cameras walking through the neighborhood wearing only a diaper.
Authorities have initiated a Level II Endangered Missing Child advisory, rather than an Amber Alert, as an abduction has not been confirmed. The New Orleans Police Department, along with community volunteers, has focused search efforts on the Michoud Canal and surrounding areas using boats, divers, and drones. The search has received support from volunteer teams traveling from as far away as Mississippi and Texas.
Community organizer Cristi Rosales-Fajardo is advocating for an expanded search area that includes Chef Menteur Highway and nearby businesses. She emphasizes the importance of the community’s engagement in the search efforts, urging residents to check their surveillance footage and properties for any signs of Bryan.
In addition to the ground and aerial searches, authorities are reaching out to the local community for assistance in locating Bryan. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out and report any potential sightings immediately to law enforcement.
According to Dr. John Bischoff, wandering is a significant concern for children with autism, with nearly 50% reported to wander at some stage. Tragically, many missing autistic children have drowned, underscoring the urgency for immediate and thorough search operations. The family remains hopeful and believes that Bryan is alive, indicating the need for continued efforts and support from both authorities and community members.
As the search continues, Bryan is described as approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall, weighing between 86 to 100 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Law enforcement’s response to Bryan’s disappearance has faced some criticism, particularly concerning the timing of their actions at the onset of the investigation.
Despite the extended time since Bryan was last seen, the community is holding onto hope as the search progresses. Many locals continue to rally around the Vasquez family, offering their support and resources during this critical time.
As efforts continue, it is vital for the community to remain vigilant and proactive in this search, recalling that the safety and well-being of Bryan remains the highest priority. Bryan’s family calls for ongoing community support to bring him home safely.
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Additional Resources
- WWLTV: Search for Missing 12-Year-Old Continues
- Wikipedia: Autism
- Fox 8 Live: Five Hour Gap in NOPD Response
- Google Search: Missing Children in New Orleans
- WDSU: Missing Boy Search Week Mark
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Endangered Species
- NOLA: Missing Boy Search in New Orleans
- Google News: 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.
