THUNDER BAY - Volunteers are now assisting in a search for missing teen, Josiah Begg.
The search was organized by Nishnawbe Aski Nation on Tuesday afternoon. More than 25 people have already volunteered to search for 14-year-old Josiah, who was last seen on May 6 around 10 p.m. near the Vale Limbrick Community Centre.
NAN Deputy Grand Chief, Anna Betty Achneepineskum, said the disappearance of Josiah is of great concern and members of the community are praying for his safe return as soon as possible.
"We have assisted with the search for Josiah since he was reported missing, and have increased our efforts by establishing a command centre to coordinate our efforts," Achneepineskum said in a release. "We greatly appreciate the efforts of everyone participating in this search for Josiah and we ask for anyone who has any information about his disappearance to please come forward."
The search is covering locations throughout the city, including Junot Park, Confederation College, Court Street, Westfort, the grain elevator on Cumberland Street, George Burke Park, the walking trails near Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, the walking paths near Westgate High School, the Delaney Arena area, Balmoral Street, the East End, the Vale Limbrick Area, and the McIntyre Floodway.
On Wednesday, Thunder Bay Police emergency task unit began a ground search of the Northwood area and continue to seek the public's assistance with any information on Josiah's whereabouts.
Thunder Bay Police Det. Joe Dampier said the police ground search is continuing on Thursday and police are coordinating with volunteers.
"We’ve asked that the volunteers continue to search foot paths, to possibly attend areas such as skateboard parks, the mall, both of the main transportation hubs for transit," he said. "We would also like the public to continue their efforts to provide tips on locating Josiah."
Dampier said police have received several tips on possible sightings from the public, which are all being investigated.
"We are just really trying to have a collaborative effort and keep each other up to date on the steps we are taking in trying to support each other as well as trying to come up with different potential leads and to cover as much area as possible as quickly as we can," Dampier said.
Dampier also reminded people in the city to check their property or sheds and garages for any possible information to help find Josiah.
A headquarters has been set up at the Econo-Lodge hotel on Memorial Avenue where volunteers can sign up to ensure all areas are covered. The headquarters is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Police said Josiah was in Thunder Bay visiting with his father from KI First Nation. Dampier also said Josiah's height may be closer to 5-foot-8, as opposed to the earlier reports of 5-foot-5.
Josiah is described as an Aboriginal male, about 5-foot-8 and weighing in at about 120 pounds. Police said he has short brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen in a red baseball cap, red hoodie with grey and white sweat pants.
Anyone with information on Josiah's whereabouts are asked to contact Thunder Bay Police at 684-1200 or the NAN Search and Command Centre at 630-1982.
