News Summary
Authorities in New Orleans are in an urgent search for 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez, who went missing from his home. Bryan, who has a severe neurodevelopmental condition and is non-verbal, was last seen in distress and wearing only an adult diaper. The New Orleans Police Department has issued a Level II Endangered/Missing Child alert and is seeking the public’s help in locating him. Residents are encouraged to check their properties as search operations intensify in the area.
New Orleans – An urgent search is underway for a missing 12-year-old boy, Bryan Vasquez, who was reported missing from his home in New Orleans on Thursday, August 14. The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) issued a Level II Endangered/Missing Child alert after his disappearance was noted around 10:00 a.m. local time on Friday, August 15.
Bryan suffers from a severe neurodevelopmental condition, is non-verbal, and does not comprehend English or Spanish. Authorities are concerned for his well-being, stating that he may be disoriented, hungry, and in need of medical attention due to his condition.
The boy is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall, weighing between 86 to 100 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing only an adult diaper. Bryan was observed walking nude around his neighborhood at about 6:33 a.m. on Thursday morning, appearing to be in distress.
Authorities believe Bryan may be walking in an unknown direction and have activated search operations that focus on nearby communities and low-lying canals. NOPD has deployed boats to assist in the search while actively soliciting assistance from the public. Residents in the area bounded by Chef Menteur Highway, Dwyer Road, Michoud Boulevard, and Interstate 510 are urged to check their backyards and raised homes for any signs of the missing boy.
Since the alert was issued, the NOPD has asked anyone who sees Bryan to contact the Seventh District at (504) 658-6070 or call 911. The police emphasize the importance of immediate reporting of any potential sightings to continue the effort in locating him.
The search for Bryan Vasquez shines light on the challenges faced by families who care for children with special needs. Understanding their unique vulnerabilities is crucial in ensuring their safety, especially in a pressing situation such as this. The local community’s engagement could play an essential role in his swift recovery, as their awareness and vigilance may lead to finding Bryan quickly.
The NOPD plans to continue the search and rescue operations until Bryan is found. Ongoing updates regarding the search efforts will be provided as more information becomes available. The desire to locate him safely remains a priority for law enforcement, and they are determined to mobilize all necessary resources to bring Bryan home.
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Additional Resources
- WDSU: Missing Boy Advisory
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- NOLA: Missing Bryan Vasquez
- Google Search: Missing Child Louisiana
- People: Missing Boy with Severe Condition
- Google Scholar: Missing Child Awareness
- WWL TV: State Police Alert
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Development
- KPLC: Search for Child with Neurodevelopmental Condition
- Google News: New Orleans Missing Children
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.
