LA VISTA, Neb. (KMTV) — The heart-wrenching search for missing 11-year-old Ryan Larsen moves into day four.
Thursday evening, Jonathan Stewart, a TAC Team Adam Consultant who is now working directly with La Vista Police to offer support in the current search for Ryan, updated the public on his role in the efforts to locate Ryan.
Stewart, a retired US Marshall and criminal investigator, has in-depth field experience in assisting efforts to find missing children.
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He's been missing since around noon Monday. Wednesday’s search included the Walnut Creek and Prairie Queen recreation areas.
La Vista is now getting help from hundreds of volunteers, the FBI and other national agencies.
3 News Now reporter Kent Luetzen his providing live updates near a staging center at 83rd and Parkview:
UPDATE: La Vista police and multiple other agencies are now back at S. 83rd and Park View.
— Kent Luetzen (@KentLuetzen) May 20, 2021
They brought back the boats, as well as the FEMA “live search and rescue” canines.
They are ready to search the pond - again- in Central Park, according to one officer. pic.twitter.com/35cleBFY3v
MISSING: A resident in the Southfield Apt. Homes says FBI has been going door-to-door in search of Ryan Larsen.
— Kent Luetzen (@KentLuetzen) May 20, 2021
The resident says agents came in, searched through every cupboard/closet and knocked on the next door.
She tells us Ryan and his family live in these apartments. pic.twitter.com/UMDKUqGUiG
UPDATE: La Vista police and multiple other agencies are now back at S. 83rd and Park View.
— Kent Luetzen (@KentLuetzen) May 20, 2021
They brought back the boats, as well as the FEMA “live search and rescue” canines.
They are ready to search the pond - again- in Central Park, according to one officer. pic.twitter.com/35cleBFY3v
Chief Lausten, midday on Thursday:
We have a large police presence near 83rd and Parkview right now. This is a area search and no, we have not found Ryan. This is a search of the area.
— Chief Bob Lausten 🇺🇸 (@LPDChiefLausten) May 20, 2021
La Vista police are asking for help from all around the metro area in their search.
NEW: FEMA’s “Live Search and Rescue” canines are doubling back in Central Park this morning as the search for Ryan Larsen continues into a fourth day.
— Kent Luetzen (@KentLuetzen) May 20, 2021
The dogs, along with multiple other police officers, were searching the creeks and sewage areas. pic.twitter.com/J7QVo0Q9s7
He is 5’8” and weighs 125 lbs with brown hair and hazel eyes.
Larsen is autistic but highly functioning and has gone missing before.
Autism experts said that means police and volunteers will have to be careful about how they approach him. Authorities recommend calling 911 if Ryan is spotted and not shouting his name.
“Be as unobtrusive as possible in their search. Again, if they happen to see someone, to keep him in eyesight but try not to visit with him or run towards him but to stay back maintain that distance and make a phone call so someone who is acquainted with him could come and try to work with him,” said Leslie Bishop Hartung, President and CEO with Autism Center of Nebraska.
Police said Larsen could be looking at this as a game but they are growing more and more concerned about his wellbeing since they don't know what he's doing for food and water.
We have a large police presence near 83rd and Parkview right now. This is a area search and no, we have not found Ryan. This is a search of the area.
— Chief Bob Lausten 🇺🇸 (@LPDChiefLausten) May 20, 2021
Additional law enforcement phone numbers:
La Vista Police Department: (402) 331-1353
Bellevue Police Department: (402) 293-3100
Papillion Police Department: (402) 597-2035
Sarpy County Sheriff's Office: (402) 593-2288
Nebraska State Patrol: (402) 331-3333
Omaha Police Department: (402) 444-5600
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