Missing 12-year-old Prince George boy found safe

UPDATE 6:45 p.m.

A boy missing reported missing from Prince George on Wednesday has been found.

Prince George RCMP Spokesperson Jennifer Cooper confirmed to PrinceGeorgeMatters this evening that Luke has been located safely.

Cooper added Luke appeared cold, hungry and with a few bruises but otherwise OK.

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UPDATE 5:30 p.m.

Concern is rising as search crews continue looking for a missing 12-year-old boy from Prince George.

Yesterday (March 25), Mounties released a statement asking for the public's help in finding Luke, whom investigators say was last believed to be travelling south on Highway 97.

Luke has not been seen since 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday (March 24) and, according to police, he may not comprehend conversation at his own age level.

In the latest update this afternoon (March 26), RCMP say they are now concerned he may have attempted to hitchhike with a stranger and are concerned for his safety.

Prince George RCMP spokesperson Cst. Jennifer Cooper says Luke could also still be in the area.

"There is also the very real possibility that he is still within the area where Search and Rescue is concentrating their efforts," she explained.

"Our concern is that there would be exposure to the cold overnight, as temperatures fell to -1 degrees Celsius during the last two days."

There is currently a team of more than 35 volunteers currently helping with the search.

Volunteers have come from 100 Mile House, Quesnel, Wiliams Lake, Vanderhoof, Mackenzie, Fort St. James and Houston.

Numerous police and search and rescue resources have also been brought in including an RCMP helicopter, Air 3 and a police dog is also available to help search efforts.

“Crews are working with extremely hilly and deep terrain in some areas and clear cuts or dense brush in other places," Search and Rescue Coordinator Dave Merritt said in a release.

"There is everything from thigh-deep snow on an adult to bare ground. The numerous creeks and rivers in the region are also factors we are dealing with. Search and Rescue crews are using ATVs, side-by-sides and even horses to increase their search area."

A last name for Luke has not been provided by RCMP at this time, nor a mode of transportation.

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ORIGINAL 12:45 p.m.

The search for a missing 13-year-old Prince George boy intensified Friday morning with RCMP and Search and Rescue personnel concentrating on an area south of Hixon to try to find him.

Luke, a slimly-built teen last seen on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., is described as four feet in height (121 centimetres), with curly light brown/blond hair and hazel eyes. He was wearing a green and yellow jacket with duct tape on it and a black hoodie and black pants. He might have a ball of twine attached to his belt. He also had in his possession a PJ Masks backpack believed to contain additional clothing.

Police were led to believe he was heading south on Highway 97 after Luke told siblings in his adoptive home of his plan to run away.

Luke is developmentally-delayed and might not comprehend conversations at his age level.

“If he is seen by the public, they’re not going to get a 13-year-old’s responses from him or the ability to describe things the way a 13-year-old would,” said RCMP spokesperson Cst. Jennifer Cooper.

The search base of operations was moved to Hixon this morning with searchers focused on the area south of the town, 61 kilometres from Prince George. Prince George Search and Rescue spokesperson Dave Merritt said there are about 30 SAR volunteers assisting with the search, which currently involves two Prince George RCMP members.

“We’ve got ground-pounders out doing what we do and we’ve got teams from northern BC (participating),” said Merritt.

Anybody with any information that could help in the search should call the Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300.