As FBI joins search for missing boy, 5, family members speak out about concerns over his past welfare

As Kansas authorities enter their third day of searching for a little boy who disappeared on Saturday from his Wichita home, family members are speaking out over past concerns regarding the child’s welfare.

The Wichita Eagle reports that 5-year-old Lucas Hernandez was reported missing on Saturday evening at around 6:15 p.m. The child’s stepmother, 26, told authorities she last saw the boy at 3 p.m., when she put him down for a nap, then took a nap herself with her infant daughter. The boy’s father was at work when the incident occurred, while his biological mother was in another state.

Sally Rasmussen, Lucas’ great aunt, told the outlet that she got in touch with the the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) last year after over concerns regarding the little boy’s care. Lucas’ great grandmother, Jeannie Houchin, said that DCF was investigating the incident, although the exact details of what prompted the call to social services in the first place remains unclear.

URGENT – MISSING 5 YEAR OLD – BACK DOOR OF RESIDENCE FOUND OPEN UPDATE 2/18 8:06 p.m. EST: Wichita Police are…

Posted by Missing Pieces Network on Saturday, February 17, 2018

 

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Lucas disappeared from his family home off of the 600 block of south Edgemoor, near Lincoln. He’s described 4 feet tall and weighs around 60 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing white socks, black pants, and a grey shirt with a teddy bear on the front. He also has a cleft palate and a speech impediment. His family reported that it’s not typical for the boy to wander off.

Officer Charley Davidson stated on Sunday that authorities searched the home and surrounding areas, but so far, haven’t had luck locating Lucas. There were no signs of a home break-in and nothing inside the residence was out of place.

Authorities also concentrated on the area around Chisholm Creek Park near 29th and Oliver, but haven’t made any announcements since then. As of Monday morning, Lucas still remains missing. Police announced the FBI is assisting in the search for Lucas, and they are not asking for the public’s help in search efforts. Instead, they encourage the public to share the boy’s flyer.

“He’s a bright little boy, he loves school, he loves his dad, his step mom and his siblings, we just want him home safe, and if you have any information anything about Lucas, please help us bring him home safely,” a relative of the family, Kristin Edson, told KSN.

Anyone with any information should contact the Wichita police tip line at tip line at 316-383-4661.

[Feature Photo: Lucas Hernandez/Family Handout]