News Summary
Authorities in New Orleans are ramping up the search for 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez, who has autism and went missing from his home. Bryan, who is nonverbal and was last seen nude and wearing an adult diaper, is classified as a Level II Endangered Child. The New Orleans Police Department is urging local residents to check their properties and report any information that could aid in locating him.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The search for Bryan Vasquez, a 12-year-old boy with autism who went missing early Thursday morning from his home, is intensifying as authorities work tirelessly to locate him. Bryan was last seen at approximately 6:33 a.m. on August 14 in the Village de l’Est neighborhood and was reported missing later that morning.
Bryan is described as nonverbal and has a neurodevelopmental condition that affects his ability to communicate, making him unable to understand either English or Spanish. At the time he disappeared, he was seen walking nude and wearing an adult diaper, raising concerns that he may be in distress, scared, or hungry.
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has classified his case as a Level II Endangered/Missing Child Advisory. This designation indicates the urgency of the situation, prompting local police to step up their search efforts. Authorities have enlisted the help of local law enforcement partners and begun extensive patrols in nearby canals and marshes, given the low-lying geography of the area.
Search Efforts Underway
Authorities have urged residents in the vicinity bounded by Chef Menteur Highway, Dwyer Road, Michoud Boulevard, and Interstate 510 to thoroughly check their backyards, under raised homes, and review surveillance footage for any signs of Bryan. The NOPD Superintendent emphasized that their primary goal is to bring Bryan home safely, utilizing all available resources for the ongoing search.
Officials are concerned about Bryan’s wellbeing due to his vulnerabilities associated with his autism and lack of verbal communication skills. The potential for him to be in distress without the ability to seek help has heightened the urgency of the search efforts.
Background on Bryan Vasquez
Bryan Vasquez is 12 years old, approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall, and weighs between 86 and 100 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. His condition requires specialist support, and his family and community are deeply worried about his safety and health during this distressing time. Parents and guardians of children with autism often face unique challenges, especially in situations where a child may wander away or become disoriented.
The NOPD has reiterated the importance of the community’s involvement in this case, emphasizing that any piece of information, no matter how small, could contribute to locating Bryan. They have called upon anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact the Seventh District at 504-658-6070 or dial 911.
Community Response
As the search continues, local residents have expressed their concern for Bryan’s safety. Many community members are actively participating in the search efforts, spreading awareness through social media and coordinating search parties. Community engagement is crucial in such cases, as often the presence of local residents can make a significant difference in search outcomes.
The New Orleans community is hopeful that this level of involvement will aid in finding Bryan quickly and safely. As authorities remain vigilant and dedicated to the search, the message remains clear: every effort counts, and no information is too trivial to report.
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Additional Resources
- NOLA: Bryan Vasquez Missing
- Wikipedia: Autism
- WDSU: Missing Boy Advisory
- Google Search: Missing Autistic Children
- People: Missing Boy with Severe Condition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Communication
- WWLTV: Alert for Missing Child
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.
