Police expand search through northwest Calgary
Calgary police and community volunteers broadened their efforts Friday to locate an 11-year-old boy who disappeared from a day home in Cambrian Heights on Thursday late morning. Investigators say the child, identified only as Parker, was last observed sometime between 11:08 a.m. and 11:41 a.m. He is described as 4-foot-11, about 90 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. At the time, he was believed to be shirtless and wearing grey shorts, black Skechers and black noise-cancelling headphones.
Officers reported locating clothing believed to belong to Parker around noon Thursday in the 0–100 block of Northmount Drive N.W. Police say Parker has a medical condition and his family has expressed deep concern for his safety. According to the family, he is autistic and nonverbal, likely frightened, and the headphones may make it difficult for him to hear people calling his name.
Where the search is focused
By Friday, the search area had been extended beyond Cambrian Heights into nearby northwest neighbourhoods. Residents are being asked to look in places where a child could take shelter or hide.
- Thorncliffe
- North Haven
- Highwood
- Highland Park
- Greenview
- Nose Hill Park
The Calgary Police Service says officers are working alongside a volunteer group, with support from a canine unit. Residents may also notice an air support unit, mounted patrol and a mountain bike unit operating across the search corridor.
What police are asking residents to do
Investigators have issued a broad appeal for help from people living and working in the area. Officers are requesting door-to-door checks and the review of any available video that could establish Parker’s movements after he left the day home.
“If you see Parker, do not approach him,” police said. “Instead, keep your distance and contact police immediately.”
- Check garages, sheds, under decks, and other sheltered spaces in backyards and around homes.
- Review CCTV, doorbell cameras and dashcam footage from Thursday late morning through Friday.
- Do not interrupt organized search teams as they canvass the area.
Timeline and key locations
Police provided the following timeline based on the latest available information:
| Time/Window | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11:08–11:41 a.m. Thu. | Last confirmed sighting of Parker at day home | Cambrian Heights |
| ~12:00 p.m. Thu. | Clothing believed to be Parker’s found | 0–100 block Northmount Dr. N.W. |
Police say there is no indication of foul play at this stage. The case does not meet the threshold for an Amber Alert, so the Calgary Police Service has issued a request for public assistance through the Missing Children Society of Canada.
Capacity of the search and next steps
The search has drawn significant community involvement, with volunteers assisting officers as they move block by block through northwest Calgary. Authorities are concentrating on natural hiding places and green spaces, including Nose Hill Park, while also retracing potential routes between Cambrian Heights and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Police emphasized that approaching Parker may cause him distress. Given the report that he is nonverbal and wearing noise-cancelling headphones, he may not respond to his name. Anyone who believes they have seen him is asked to keep a safe distance and call police without delay.
What to watch for
Investigators say the most helpful actions from the public remain careful property checks and prompt sharing of any video that captured pedestrian movement in the relevant time frames. Even small observations—such as a child matching Parker’s description near alleys, parks or pathways—could help establish an updated direction of travel.
As the search continues, police and partner volunteers plan to maintain a visible presence across northwest communities. Residents should expect to see specialized units and canvassing teams over the coming days as officers work to bring Parker home safely.
