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Day 4 of search for missing 11-year-old boy

Police say not to shout Ryan's name, call 911 if spotted
Posted at 7:04 AM, May 20, 2021
and last updated 2021-05-20 18:38:32-04

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.

Below and on our Facebook.

RYAN LARSEN
Ryan Larsen of La Vista had been missing since May 17.

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:

Chief Lausten, midday on Thursday:

La Vista police are asking for help from all around the metro area in their search.

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.

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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