Authorities continue the search for 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez, who has been missing since last Thursday. Bryan, who is autistic and non-verbal, was last seen that morning after exiting through a bedroom window at his residence in New Orleans East. According to WWLTV, rescue efforts have intensified, with boats, divers, and thermal drones being deployed to canvass canals, and wooded areas in the region.
WDSU reports highlight a concerning delay in the New Orleans Police Department's response to the urgent situation. Records indicate that although a 911 call about Bryan's disappearance was made around 10 a.m., NOPD did not respond until 3 p.m., a full five hours later. The Vasquez family spokesperson criticized the NOPD for what they believe to have been a slow response time.
Bryan's family has expressed his vulnerability due to his daily medication needs and his autism. Ring cameras captured footage of him walking through the neighborhood wearing only a diaper shortly after he went missing.
An NOPD spokesperson chose not to comment on the specifics of the department's immediate response but mentioned an internal review of the response was underway. Bryan's 11-year-old sister, Brianna Vasquez, shared that "nothing's been the same without him," as reported by FOX8Live.
The search for Bryan is ongoing, with law enforcement and volunteers investigating all potential leads. The New Orleans Police Department’s response to the situation is under review, and additional updates are expected as the search and evaluation proceed.
