Calgary police have significantly expanded the search for 11-year-old Parker, an autistic boy who has been missing since Thursday, asking residents across the entire city to inspect their properties for any sign of him. Investigators say the case has become increasingly urgent as the hours pass without locating the child.
Initially, officers focused their efforts on northwest Calgary, particularly the Cambrian Heights area. As the investigation progressed and new information emerged, the search area broadened to include additional neighbourhoods before eventually extending citywide.
Authorities continue to emphasize that community participation could make a crucial difference.
Public Asked to Inspect Homes
Police are requesting that every Calgary resident carefully search places where a child might seek shelter or wander unnoticed. This includes backyards, garages, unlocked vehicles, sheds, recreational vehicles, swimming pools, storage spaces, and other outdoor structures.
Acting Staff Sgt. Scott Guterson described the situation as unusual because Parker has not yet been found despite extensive search efforts. He urged residents to thoroughly inspect their properties rather than assuming someone else has already done so.
Investigators believe a careful search by homeowners may provide the breakthrough needed.
Parker’s Description
Police say Parker is approximately four feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 90 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.
When he was last seen, he was wearing:
- Grey shorts
- Black Skechers shoes
- Black noise-cancelling headphones
- No shirt
Authorities say Parker is autistic and functions at the developmental level of a two- or three-year-old child. They also believe he is non-verbal and may become distressed if approached by unfamiliar people.
Because of this, police are asking anyone who sees him not to approach or attempt to communicate with him directly. Instead, they should immediately call emergency services and allow trained officers to respond.
Timeline of Events
According to investigators, Parker was last confirmed at his day home in the 0–100 block of Connaught Drive N.W. sometime between 11:08 a.m. and 11:41 a.m. on Thursday.
Later that afternoon, he was seen in Calgary’s Thorncliffe neighbourhood between approximately 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.
On Saturday, police released CCTV footage showing Parker walking shirtless along the 5000–6000 block of Travis Crescent N.E. at approximately 12:52 p.m. Thursday. Officers hope the image will help jog the memories of anyone who may have seen him.
Investigators also confirmed that clothing believed to belong to Parker was found around noon Thursday in the 0–100 block of Northmount Drive N.W.
Massive Search Operation
The Calgary Police Service has dedicated substantial resources to locating Parker.
According to Acting Insp. Rod MacNeil, hundreds of police personnel are involved in the ongoing search. The operation includes patrol officers, investigators, specialized search teams, civilian staff, and numerous support units.
Search resources include:
- Air support helicopters
- Police canine teams
- Mounted patrol officers
- Mountain bike patrol units
- Ground search teams
Police have also focused attention on nearby water bodies because investigators know Parker enjoys being near water.
MacNeil said locating Parker remains the service’s highest priority.
Emergency Alert Issued
On Saturday afternoon, Alberta issued an emergency alert to increase public awareness of the search.
Earlier, police had explained that the circumstances did not meet the standard criteria for an Amber Alert because investigators had found no evidence suggesting an abduction or criminal involvement.
However, recognizing Parker’s vulnerability and the growing urgency, the Alberta government approved an emergency alert exception after discussions with Calgary police.
Officials hope the province-wide notification encourages more people to check their properties, review security footage, and report possible sightings.
Family Appeals for Help
Parker’s family has described the experience as every parent’s worst nightmare.
In a statement shared through Calgary police, they thanked the community for its support while asking residents to continue searching carefully.
The family explained that Parker experiences the world differently and may not answer when his name is called. They also noted that unfamiliar people can make him anxious, reinforcing police advice not to approach him directly if he is found.
Their message focused on one goal—bringing Parker home safely.
Tips and Video Evidence
Investigators continue to analyze information provided by the public.
As of Saturday, police had received approximately 30 public tips while reviewing nearly 50 hours of CCTV recordings, residential security camera footage, and dashcam videos collected from across Calgary.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with surveillance or dashcam recordings captured Thursday, especially in northwest and northeast Calgary, to submit the footage through the police evidence portal or contact investigators directly.
Even footage that appears unrelated may help establish Parker’s movements.
Community and Government Response
The search has drawn widespread support throughout Calgary.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith encouraged residents to assist police and confirmed that the province deployed 74 search-and-rescue personnel to strengthen local efforts.
The case has also renewed discussion about emergency notifications for vulnerable missing individuals. Calgary resident Stephanie Karas, who is the mother of two autistic children, believes alerts should be issued more quickly in similar situations involving children or adults with developmental disabilities.
Police acknowledged that while the emergency notification was not a traditional Amber Alert, expanding public awareness was essential given Parker’s unique circumstances.
As the search continues, authorities are urging everyone across Calgary to remain alert, inspect their properties carefully, review available security footage, and immediately report any information that could help locate Parker safely.