Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Read more
Canadian police are playing a missing autistic boy’s favorite Disney songs on their patrols as part of the ongoing search to find him.
The nonverbal 11-year-old named Parker vanished on July 16 when he left his home in northwest Calgary, the Calgary Police Service said.
Authorities have shared footage of cop cars patrolling the neighborhood in the hopes of finding Parker. The vehicles played songs including Frozen’s Let It Goand The Lion King’sCircle of Life.
“We know Parker loves Disney music, so officers are playing some of his favourite songs from patrol vehicles in the search area in the hope that it may help draw his attention and encourage him to come out if he is nearby,” a spokesperson for Calgary Police wrote on Instagram.
Cops are playing an 11-year-old boy from Calgary's favorite Disney songs after he went missing last week vanished (Calgary Police Service)
The spokesperson went on to describe the case as the force’s “highest priority” and said that authorities are doing everything they can to bring Parker home.
So far, the search has covered 7,000 kilometers, just under 4,350 miles, or the distance from Calgary to London, England.
Several hundred homes and businesses have been searched, police say, along with aerial support and canine resources being deployed. Mountain bike patrols, mounted patrols, river searches by the Calgary Fire Department and over 5,500 total search hours have also been carried out.
“Parker was in the care of one of Responsive Children’s Supports locations on July 16th,” a statement released by Supported Lifestyles revealed. “Parker made a sudden exit from the property, and 911 was called in response.
“Staff members followed company policy and procedures and immediately went out in search of Parker.”
Police tracked Parker's movement using surveillance footage (map released July 21) (Calgary Police Service)
Parker was last seen that day between 11.08 a.m. and 11.41 a.m., police confirmed. Items of clothing believed to belong to Parker were discovered nearby at around noon.
Authorities have released a map tracking the route that Parker is believed to have taken from his home, which has been pieced together using surveillance footage collected around the area. The map outlines his confirmed movements, with police also releasing footage of Parker walking along the sidewalk in various locations.
Parker has been described as being 4’11” tall and as weighing around 90 pounds. He has brown hair, a shaved head and brown eyes.
The youngster was last seen shirtless, wearing dark shorts and black noise-cancelling headphones.
Locals have been urged to not approach Parker and to instead contact the authorities (Calgary Police Service)
Parker’s family said the missing 11-year-old is a “loved son, brother, and friend” in a statement distributed by Calgary police.
“Since he went missing, our family has been living every parent's worst nightmare,” the family continues. “Every hour that passes without knowing where he is or whether he is safe has been incredibly difficult for us.”
The family has urged anyone who sees Parker not to approach the youngster. Instead, locals are advised to give him space and to contact police immediately with his location.
“Parker is deeply loved, and he is missed immensely. We just want our son home,” the statement concluded.