Search Intensifies for Missing Boy as City Mom Pushes to Expand Amber Alerts
The search for 11-year-old Parker, a non-verbal autistic boy who has been missing since Thursday, intensified on Sunday as the RCMP joined Calgary police in the ongoing operation.
Police say concerns for Parker’s safety continue to grow, and additional resources have been deployed to help locate him.
Acting Staff Sgt. Scott Guterson said the investigation will continue until Parker is found.
Hundreds of Searchers Involved
More than 300 Calgary Police Service personnel are participating in the search, including investigators, patrol officers, air support, canine teams, mounted patrol and mountain bike units.
They have also been joined by approximately 120 trained volunteers from Search and Rescue Alberta.
Authorities have followed up on around 80 public tips while investigating every possible lead.
Search Focuses on Parker’s Habits
Investigators are using information provided by Parker’s parents about his interests and behaviour to guide the search.
Police have even played his favourite Disney music from patrol vehicles in hopes of encouraging him to come out if he is nearby.
Last Known Location and Description
Parker was last seen between 11:08 a.m. and 11:41 a.m. Thursday at his day home on Connaught Drive N.W. in the Cambrian Heights area.
He is described as:
- Age: 11
- Height: 4 ft. 11 in.
- Weight: About 90 pounds
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Brown
He was last seen shirtless, wearing grey shorts and black noise-cancelling headphones.
Police also recovered clothing believed to belong to Parker in the 0–100 block of Northmount Drive N.W.
Police Ask Residents to Check Their Properties
Authorities are urging residents to carefully search their homes, backyards, sheds and other enclosed spaces multiple times.
According to police, Parker has a habit of locking doors behind him, meaning he could be inside an area that appears secured.
Officials also asked untrained volunteers to avoid organized search areas, citing safety concerns due to the heat and challenging search conditions.
Family Thanks Community
In a statement, Parker’s family thanked emergency responders, volunteers and members of the public for their continued support.
They described the situation as every parent’s worst nightmare and said they simply want their son home safely.
Calls for Better Emergency Alerts
An Amber Alert was issued on Saturday despite police not believing Parker had been abducted, citing exceptional concern for his safety.
The case has prompted calls for a separate emergency alert system for vulnerable individuals with conditions such as autism, dementia or developmental disabilities.
Jennifer Ball, a Calgary mother of a non-verbal autistic child, said she has launched a petition advocating for a dedicated alert system to help quickly locate vulnerable missing people who may not qualify for an Amber Alert.
The search for Parker remains active, with police, RCMP and trained volunteers continuing efforts across Calgary. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, check their properties thoroughly and report any information that could help bring the 11-year-old home safely.
