COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Coloradans who wish to help in the search for a missing 11-year-old boy last seen Monday afternoon can now apply with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, deputies said Friday, a day after announcing the Federal Bureau of Investigation was now involved in the case.
Gannon Stauch was believed to be a runaway after he left his home in the 6000 block of Mandan Drive in Security, southeast of Colorado Springs, between 3:15 and 4 p.m. on Monday. But as the week progressed, his disappearance was upgraded to a missing/endangered persons case.
His stepmother said he left his home on foot to play at a friend's house down the street on Monday afternoon, according to the sheriff's office.
HOW TO VOLUNTEER: If you’re over 18 years old and would like to help search for Stauch, click here to download the application. Once filled out, email the application to shrcommunityvolunteer@elpasoco.com. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Deputies with the sheriff’s office said in a news release Friday they, along with 11 other agencies and organizations, began searching for Stauch in the area of Lorson Ranch.
Speaking at a news conference Thursday evening, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Mitch Mahalko said investigators were looking at “persons of interest” who might be able to give them additional information on Stauch’s whereabouts.
Stauch takes special medication, Mahalko said, and authorities have been worried about the cold weather in the area.
Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jacqueline Kirby stressed that people with tips should report them to their tip line – 719-520-6666 – and not on social media because any tips sent to the sheriff’s office on social media will not be considered.
Officials said the sheriff’s office has received 72 tips to date and continue to follow-up and vet each lead coming in.