Amber Alert issued for missing 11-year-old Calgary boy

An extensive search remains underway for an 11-year-old Calgary boy who has been missing since Thursday.

Parker was last seen at his day home in the 0 to 100 block of Connaught Drive N.W. sometime between 11:08 a.m. and 11:41 a.m. Thursday. He was shirtless and wearing grey shorts, black Skechers shoes and black noise-cancelling headphones.

Police say articles of clothing believed to belong to Parker were found around noon Thursday in the 0 to 100 block of Northmount Drive N.W.

Parker is neurodivergent and non-verbal, and police warn he may become frightened if approached by strangers. He is described as being 4-foot-11, weighing approximately 90 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

On Saturday, the Calgary Police Service released a new image of Parker captured on CCTV footage at 12:52 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, in the 5000 to 6000 block of Travis Crescent N.E.

The Calgary Police Service says significant resources have been dedicated to locating Parker. Investigators, patrol officers and specialized units continue to work around the clock, following every possible lead and searching areas where he may have travelled.

Search efforts have focused on the communities of Cambrian Heights, Thorncliffe, North Haven, North Haven Upper, Highwood, Highland Park, Greenview, Greenview Industrial Park, Nose Hill Park and surrounding areas.

Parker’s family released a statement Saturday, describing the anguish they’ve faced since the young boy vanished.

“Since he went missing, our family has been living every parent’s worst nightmare,” the statement reads. “Every hour that passes without knowing where he is or whether he is safe has been incredibly difficult for us.”

The family is asking Calgarians to continue searching for Parker, checking neighbourhoods, parks, green spaces, yards, sheds, garages, hot tubs and other places where he may have sought shelter.

They noted Parker experiences the world differently and may not respond when his name is called. He can also become frightened when approached by strangers.

The family is asking anyone who spots Parker not to approach him. Instead, they are urging people to give him space and contact police immediately with his location.

“A single sighting, a piece of video footage, or one small detail could help bring him home safely,” the statement says.

The family also thanked community members who have joined the search effort, shared Parker’s photo and provided information to investigators.

“Knowing that so many people care and are looking for our son has given us strength during the most difficult time of our lives,” the statement reads. “Parker is deeply loved, and he is missed immensely. We just want our son home.”

Police are urging residents to thoroughly search their properties, including garages, sheds, backyards, hot tubs, swimming pools, under decks and other areas where a child may seek shelter or hide.

Anyone with information about Parker’s whereabouts, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage, is asked to contact Calgary police at 403-266-1234 or submit information through the online portal.