News Summary
New Orleans police are urgently seeking the public’s help in finding Bryan Vasquez, a 12-year-old boy reported missing from his home. Last seen walking nude in his neighborhood on August 14, authorities have since issued a Level II Endangered/Missing Child Advisory. Bryan, who has a neurodevelopmental disorder and doesn’t speak, is considered vulnerable and may require medical attention. The police are focusing search efforts in specific areas and encouraging local residents to check their properties and report any sightings.
New Orleans Police Seek Public’s Help in Search for Missing Autistic Boy, Bryan Vasquez, 12
New Orleans police are urgently seeking assistance from the public in locating Bryan Vasquez, a 12-year-old boy who has been reported missing from his home. Vasquez was last seen on Thursday morning, August 14, around 6:33 a.m., walking nude in his neighborhood. Concerns for his safety have led the Louisiana State Police to issue a Level II Endangered/Missing Child Advisory early Friday morning, August 15, just before 1:40 a.m.
Vasquez is described as Hispanic, with brown eyes and black hair, standing approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighing between 86 and 100 pounds. He has a neurodevelopmental disorder that renders him non-verbal; he does not comprehend English or Spanish. At the time he was last seen, he appeared to be in distress, prompting immediate concern from law enforcement. It is important to note that Vasquez takes medication and may be hungry and in need of medical attention.
The search for Vasquez is concentrated in a defined area between Chef Menteur Highway, Dwyer Road, Michoud Boulevard, and Interstate 510. Residents in these neighborhoods are being urged to check their properties, including backyards, under raised homes and buildings, and to review any surveillance cameras for potential sightings. Police have reported that there have been no recent accounts of suspicious individuals in the area.
In addition, search efforts have involved the deployment of boats to explore nearby canals and marshes, given the region’s low-lying waterways. Law enforcement officials, including NOPD Major Lejon Roberts, have indicated that Vasquez may be scared and could potentially be hiding.
As the search continues, the community is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any information that could aid in locating Vasquez. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the New Orleans Police Department at (504) 658-6070 or dial 911.
Bryan Vasquez is a student at ReNEW Schools, where there is also deep concern for his safety. The school has expressed its support for the ongoing search efforts while clarifying that the circumstances surrounding his disappearance are not linked to the school environment.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of children with special needs and the importance of community cooperation in ensuring their safety. The ongoing search marks a collective concern for the well-being of Bryan Vasquez and an appeal to the public to assist authorities in bringing him home safely.
The community in New Orleans is rallying together as the search for Bryan Vasquez progresses. With local law enforcement and residents working side by side, the hope remains strong for his safe return. As details unfold, any updates regarding the search efforts will be shared to keep the public informed.
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Additional Resources
- WDSU
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- News Nation Now
- Google Search: Bryan Vasquez missing
- NOLA
- Google Scholar: Missing Children Awareness
- WWLTV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missing Person
- KPLC
- Google News: Missing Autistic Child New Orleans
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.
