Colorado authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in finding an 11-year-old boy who has been missing since Monday.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Gannon Stauch was last seen Monday afternoon, at around 3 p.m. or 4 p.m., at his residence off of Mandan Drive in the Lorson Ranch neighborhood, near Colorado Springs.
NBC 5 reports that Gannon’s stepmother reportedly told police he left to play with friends and never returned home. His father, Al Stauch, said that it was not like his son to walk off.
“He’s not really the type just to walk off…told my wife he was going to play and then…haven’t seen him since.”
Stauch added that within a few hours of Gannon leaving, his wife knew something was wrong. He also reportedly said the boy didn’t tell his stepmother which friend’s house he was going to.
Sheriff's Office Asks for Assistance in Locating Juvenile : https://t.co/LpuqN5Kb9p pic.twitter.com/hmafK9X79T
— EPCSheriff (@EPCSheriff) January 29, 2020
“We kind of do the street light rule – when the street lights come on or it gets dark, they better be home and it was like maybe 30 minutes past that…started to worry at that point. Then I started texting all the friends that we know he goes to and nobody had seen him,” Stauch told the outlet.
Major Crimes detectives with the El Paso SO have taken over the case, according to FOX 12, but at this point, police said they have no evidence of foul play. Gauch, who is a member of the National Guard, is also helping with the search.
“This case was referred to Major Crimes for their ability to gather information and use great focus with their investigative training,” the sheriff’s office stated.
“Any information may prove valuable in solving the case and could consist of things as simple as anyone remembering suspicious vehicles or people they saw in or around the area on the date of this incident.”
Gannon is described as a white male who stands 4-feet-9-inches tall and weighs around 90 pounds. He has brown eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing a blue hooded jacket, jeans, and athletic shoes.
Anyone with any information on Gannon’s whereabouts is urged to contact the El Paso SO’s “Investigations Tip Line” at 719-520-6666.
“He’s just kind and tenderhearted…just hoping he’s all right out there you know? Hoping we can find him soon,” Stauch said.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Gannon Stauch/El Paso County Sheriff’s Office]
