Police play Disney music in search for missing 11-year-old autistic boy in Calgary
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CALGARY – Police in Calgary played Disney music from their cruisers as they continued to search for a missing 11-year-old boy who is non-verbal, autistic and can easily get scared when approached by strangers.
An Alberta Emergency Alert buzzed on phones across the province on Saturday afternoon for Parker, who was last seen Thursday afternoon in Calgary’s north end. Calgary police said in a statement he was shirtless, wearing grey shorts and black noise-cancelling headphones.
His family said those who spot him should not approach him, and instead call police immediately.
“Parker experiences the world in his own way,” a statement from his family said.
“He may not respond when his name is called, and he can become frightened when approached by people he does not know.
“Parker is a loved son, brother and friend. Our family is heartbroken by his disappearance.”
Parker was still missing Saturday evening, and the Calgary Police Service posted a short video on social media showing a police vehicle slowly rolling along residential streets and alleys, with emergency lights flashing and the sounds of Disney tunes coming from the vehicle’s public address system.
“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 message with the video said.
“This search remains our highest priority. We’ll continue doing everything we can to find Parker and bring him home safely.”
Investigators said they found clothes seemingly belonging to him the day he was reported missing.
They believe foul play is not a factor in his case and are asking the public to help find him.
Calgary police said Saturday morning Parker’s case didn’t meet the threshold of an Amber Alert and that they were working with the Missing Children’s Society of Canada to issue one.
Hours later, the Alberta Emergency Alert said the provincial government had issued an exemption allowing Calgary police to send the alert.
The Alberta government’s website notes that local police services and the RCMP are responsible for Amber Alerts. The website says Amber Alerts are issued when four criteria have been met, including that a child has been abducted.
Police said they have reviewed roughly 30 tips, knocked on doors, and had up to 120 volunteers search for Parker on Saturday.
“After exhausting all investigative avenues to locate Parker, investigators are turning to the public for their help,” police said.
“Parker suffers from a medical condition, and officers and his family are concerned for his safety and well-being.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 18, 2026.