Calgary (Rajeev Sharma ): The Calgary Police Service (CPS), supported by the RCMP, specialized search teams, partner agencies and hundreds of volunteers, continues an extensive search operation to locate 11-year-old Parker Wells, who was reported missing after wandering away from a day home in the northwest Calgary community of Cambrian Heights on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
As search efforts continue around the clock, Acting Staff Sgt. Scott Guterson provided a video update to the media, highlighting the ongoing search operation and thanking Calgarians for their overwhelming support and cooperation. He emphasized that officers and partner agencies remain fully committed to locating Parker safely and are utilizing every available resource in the search.
The Calgary Police Service has mobilized an extensive response involving Ground Search Teams, the Air Support Unit, Canine Unit, Mounted Patrol Team, Mountain Bike Unit, trained search volunteers and partner agencies. The coordinated effort reflects the professionalism, dedication and compassion of everyone working tirelessly to bring Parker home.
Police have reminded the public that Parker is autistic and non-verbal. If he is spotted, members of the public are asked not to approach him, as unfamiliar interactions may cause him distress. Instead, they should keep him in sight from a safe distance and immediately call 911 so trained officers can respond appropriately. In a thoughtful and child-focused approach, Calgary Police officers have also been patrolling search areas while playing Disney movie music, hoping familiar melodies may help comfort Parker and encourage him to come forward safely.
Residents, particularly in Cambrian Heights, Thorncliffe, North Haven, Highwood, Highland Park and Greenview, are encouraged to carefully check their own properties, including garages, sheds, backyards, under decks, vehicles, hot tubs and other areas where a child may seek shelter or hide. Authorities are also requesting that volunteers search only public areas, avoid entering private property without permission, and refrain from interfering with ongoing police operations so trained search teams can continue their work safely and effectively.
The Calgary Police Service has expressed sincere appreciation for the extraordinary support shown by Calgarians throughout the search. Parker’s family has also thanked the community, volunteers and the media for their compassion, assistance and prayers while respectfully requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Anyone with information regarding Parker’s whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could help bring Parker home safely.
National Times Media joins the entire Calgary community in hoping for Parker’s safe return. We encourage all residents to follow the guidance of the Calgary Police Service, remain vigilant, and continue supporting the ongoing search efforts in a safe and responsible manner. Our thoughts are with Parker, his family, the dedicated first responders, volunteers and everyone working tirelessly until he is safely reunited with his loved ones.
