News Summary
Authorities in New Orleans are intensifying their search efforts for 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez, an autistic boy who has been missing for five days. Last seen walking alone in the Village de L’Est neighborhood, concerns for his safety have escalated, given his nonverbal status and special needs. The search operation now includes advanced resources such as thermal drones and specialty dogs, with community participation essential. As the local police, FBI, and volunteers aim to locate him, his family remains hopeful for a safe return.
New Orleans – The search for 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez, an autistic boy who went missing from his home in the Village de L’Est neighborhood, has entered its fifth day. He was last seen on August 14, early in the morning, and authorities continue to mobilize extensive resources in hopes of locating him.
Bryan, who is nonverbal and requires special needs care, was recorded on a Ring doorbell camera at approximately 5:30 a.m. the day he disappeared. The video shows him walking alone and wearing only an adult diaper. This has raised growing concerns regarding his safety and well-being, given the circumstances he was last seen in.
The Louisiana State Police issued a Level II endangered/missing child advisory on August 15, which highlighted the urgency of the case. As the search progresses, law enforcement efforts have become more intense, now being coordinated by the New Orleans Police Department’s Special Victims Division. Search teams are utilizing a combination of volunteers, bloodhounds, cadaver dogs, and specialized technology including airboats, with the United Cajun Navy contributing additional resources like thermal drones and divers.
On August 18, crews from the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board began draining a canal located near Bryan’s home to facilitate the search efforts. This method aims to ensure that no potential evidence or signs of Bryan’s whereabouts are overlooked as the investigation moves forward.
Residents in the surrounding neighborhoods are urged to actively participate in the search by checking their backyards and reviewing any footage from security cameras from the morning of August 14. The cooperation of the community is critical to aid investigators in their ongoing search.
Bryan is described physically as having brown eyes, black hair, standing approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall, and weighing between 86 and 100 pounds. Authorities are reaching out to the public for assistance, encouraging anyone with information regarding Bryan’s location or the events leading up to his disappearance to contact the police immediately via 911 or the New Orleans Police Department at 504-821-2222.
This continuing search is framed as a rescue mission. While the primary objective is to find Bryan alive, there remains an acknowledgment among officials about concerns for his health and condition given the time elapsed since he was last seen.
The family of Bryan Vasquez has been actively involved in the search efforts, expressing their hope for his safe return. As time goes on, the community’s solidarity and assistance are vital in maintaining the momentum of search operations.
In summary, this case has drawn significant attention from law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals, who are working collaboratively as part of a larger effort to locate Bryan. Each day that passes presents new challenges, but the commitment of the local community and various agencies reflects the urgency of finding this young boy and bringing him home safely.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Search Efforts Intensify for Missing New Orleans Boy
Urgent Search Continues for Missing Boy in New Orleans
Intensified Search for Missing 12-Year-Old in New Orleans
Search Underway for Missing 12-Year-Old in New Orleans
Urgent Search for Missing 12-Year-Old Boy in New Orleans
Intensified Search for Missing 12-Year-Old in New Orleans
Search Underway for Missing Autistic Boy in New Orleans
Additional Resources
- WWLTV: Search Continues for Missing 12-Year-Old in New Orleans
- Wikipedia: Missing Children
- FOX 8: Missing 12-Year-Old Bryan Vasquez Last Seen on Ring Camera
- Google Search: Bryan Vasquez Missing
- NOLA: Missing Boy Search in New Orleans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missing Children
- WWLTV: Thermal Drones, More Divers Deployed in Search for Bryan Vasquez
- Google News: 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.
