News Summary
The search continues for 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez, who has been missing from his home in New Orleans since August 14. Family members are deeply concerned as Bryan, a nonverbal boy with autism, has not taken his required seizure medication. The New Orleans Police Department’s response has been criticized, but community efforts are amplifying the search with volunteers aiding in the efforts to locate him. A reward is being offered for information leading to his whereabouts.
Search Continues for Missing 12-Year-Old Bryan Vasquez in New Orleans, Family Pleads for Help
New Orleans, LA – A desperate search is ongoing for 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez, a nonverbal boy with autism who has been missing from his home in the Village de L’Est neighborhood since the early hours of August 14. Bryan was last seen leaving his Beaucaire Street residence around 5 a.m. and was captured on surveillance footage shortly after departing, wearing only an adult diaper.
His family reported him missing at approximately 10 a.m. on that day, but a delayed response from the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) resulted in the official search effort starting at 3 p.m., five hours after he was last seen. In response to the situation, NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick has initiated an investigation into the department’s handling of the case.
A reward of $1,250 has been offered by Crimestoppers for any leads regarding Bryan’s location. He is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall, weighing between 86 and 100 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. His family has expressed growing concerns as Bryan has not taken his necessary seizure medication since going missing.
Community Efforts and Search Details
The family, supported by volunteers and community members, has been actively involved in the search efforts. They currently urge the public to assist by thoroughly checking backyards and hidden areas where Bryan might be. Coordinated search efforts have expanded beyond the immediate neighborhood to include nearby industrial zones, waterways, and thicketed marshes.
Authorities have deployed advanced search methods, utilizing drones, canine units, and watercraft as they collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals. These efforts highlight the urgency of finding Bryan, whose condition makes him particularly vulnerable.
Risks for Children with Autism
Dr. John Bischoff from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has pointed out that children with autism are prone to wandering, often gravitating toward water—a factor that raises the risk of drowning. This information further emphasizes the critical nature of locating Bryan swiftly.
Concerns Over Police Response
NOPD officials maintain their commitment to locating Bryan and have urged anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact law enforcement by calling 911 or reaching out to the Special Victims Division at 504-821-2222.
Community Support
In the wake of this distressing situation, community members have rallied around the Vasquez family, organizing events and additional search efforts to support the ongoing search for Bryan. Their collective hope remains focused on the safe return of the young boy, as his family continues to grapple with the emotional toll of this ongoing crisis.
The search for Bryan Vasquez reflects both the complexity of missing persons cases and the vital role that community engagement plays in finding missing individuals. As searches evolve, the hope is to bring Bryan home safely to his family.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 8 Live: Search for Missing Bryan Vasquez Narrows
- WWLTV: Search Enters Second Week for Bryan Vasquez
- WDSU: NOPD Response Investigation for Missing Boy
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- News Nation Now: Missing Child Alert for Bryan Vasquez
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.
