Colorado authorities continue their search for a young boy who disappeared last week after supposedly telling his stepmother he was going over to a friend’s house to play.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado, authorities have received around more than 130 tips in connection with 11-year-old Gannon Stauch. Gannon was reported missing on January 27 while under the care of his stepmother, Tecia Stauch.
Gannon was allegedly last seen at around 3 p.m. or 4 p.m., at his home off of Mandan Drive in the Lorson Ranch neighborhood, near Colorado Springs. His stepmother told police he left for a friend’s house and never returned home. So far, none of his friends in the neighborhood have indicated that they saw Gannon that day.
Sheriff's Office Update on Search Efforts for Gannon Stauch On February 2, 2020, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office…
Posted by EPC Sheriff's Office on Sunday, February 2, 2020
Gannon’s father, Al Stauch, said that it was not like his son to walk off. Gannon does not have a history of running away. Al Stauch was reportedly out of town working when his son disappeared.
Tecia Stauch explained that on January 26, she took Gannon and his younger sister hiking at the Garden of the Gods Park. Afterward, they stopped by to eat at Burger King, she said during an interview with CBS 11 on Friday afternoon. Gannon reportedly did not attend school the following day.
Reportedly, Tecia did not know which friend’s house the boy went to on Monday, according to Al Stauch, who said his wife told him that Gannon didn’t specify which friend he wanted to visit, NBC 5 reports. The stepmother said she couldn’t comment on the details of the case at this time.
Numerous agencies, including the FBI, are assisting in the search for the boy. Authorities have focused a lot of search around the area of Gannon’s neighborhood, but it’s unclear if they’ve found anything of interest.
On Friday, Tecia Stauch slammed the El Paso Police Department, claiming they pointed a gun at her and wouldn’t let her contact an attorney. She also claimed that she received death threats online and hopes for an apology once the boy is found. She indicated that she has taken care of Gannon for the past two years.
“My husband’s ex-wife is living in our home,” the woman complained. “I took care of Gannon for the last two years in our home because his mother didn’t want to do it…OK, and I would never, ever hurt this child.”
During a press conference last week, Landon spoke through tears while pleading for her son’s safe return. Landon said the boy was born prematurely with a small chance of survival. Despite the odds, Gannon pulled through and is now a gifted student, according to his mother.
“My son is a very loving kid, he wouldn’t harm anybody,” Landon said. ”Why is this happening to him?”
“My kid has a purpose and my kid has a life…Gannon, bubba, little man, mommy’s hero, wherever you are at, we’re here for you. We’re begging for you to come home, I can’t wait until you’re found.”
Major Crimes detectives with the El Paso SO have taken over the case, according to FOX 12, with the assistance of the FBI. Al 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. or the El Paso County SO 719-390-5555.
“He’s just kind and tenderhearted…just hoping he’s all right out there you know? Hoping we can find him soon,” Al Stauch said.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Gannon Stauch/El Paso County Sheriff’s Office]
