Burnaby RCMP have initiated a province-wide billboard campaign in their efforts to locate 11-year-old Kai Pavlovic, who has been missing since September 26. The billboards will be displayed across various locations in the Lower Mainland and throughout British Columbia starting this Friday, as confirmed by the police.
Constable Joelle Kerridge of Burnaby RCMP emphasized the importance of public assistance in finding Kai, stating that their investigators have been diligently searching for him. Authorities received a wellness check request for Kai on September 26, and they suspect he is in the company of an unidentified caregiver.
Kerridge mentioned that conversations with Kai’s family suggest he is still under the care of a guardian, urging the caretaker or anyone with relevant information to come forward and contact the RCMP. She stressed the need to ensure Kai’s safety, well-being, and locate the individual responsible for his care.
Responding to inquiries about Kai’s safety, Kerridge explained that entrusting him to a caregiver is not unusual based on the family’s communications. She urged the public to observe the billboards for any leads on the caregiver’s identity and to report any pertinent information to Burnaby RCMP.
In consideration of privacy concerns, Kerridge refrained from disclosing details of the ongoing investigation involving Kai’s family. Additionally, to reach out to the Serbian community, with which Kai’s family shares close ties, police are disseminating a news release in the Serbian language.
Described as approximately five feet tall with a slim stature and brown hair, Kai’s whereabouts remain unknown. Anyone with information on Kai’s location is urged to contact Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999 or their local law enforcement agency.
Regarding the absence of an Amber Alert in Kai’s case, Kerridge clarified that the situation does not meet the criteria for issuing such an alert. In British Columbia, Amber Alerts are specifically reserved for severe, time-sensitive child abduction cases, excluding instances involving parental abductions unless there is a life-threatening scenario.
For an Amber Alert to be activated, specific conditions must be met, including the victim being under 18 years old, confirmed abduction, imminent danger, and sufficient details about the victim, abductor, and/or vehicle involved. The alert must also be feasible within a timeframe that allows for the safe return of the child.