Parker Wells: Police issue update as Calgarians turn out to help with search
Posted Jul 17, 2026 12:06 pm.
Last Updated Jul 20, 2026 3:41 pm.
Police say there is no evidence of foul play as the search continues in Calgary for 11-year-old Parker Wells.
“What makes this one unique is that complete lack of foul play,” Calgary police Acting Staff Sgt. Scott Guterson told a news conference Monday, “There is no evidence that foul play is involved and I must reiterate that we get some 5,000 missing personal reports a year in Calgary and for it to go on this long .. this is absolutely atypical.”
Guterson says he wouldn’t speculate on Parker’s odds of survivability as the search continues into it’s fifth day.
“There are far too many factors which we don’t have any information about to give any sort of a reasonable number. We’re going to keep hoping that he’s alive and we’re going to keep acting as if he is alive to bring him home as soon as humanly possible.”
Guterson says a combined total of approximately 6,500 km has been covered by about 500 searchers so far, which is equal to the distance between Calgary and Dublin, Ireland. About 175 tips have come in from the public and are under investigation.
CityNews has observed a steady stream of passersby at a search command centre in place at Thorncliffe Elementary School, and are inquiring how they may help. Police have responded by handing out a poster with Parker’s photo and description and have told residents to thoroughly search their own properties.
Guterson, meanwhile, issued an appeal Monday.
“We know that we may have some Calgarians.. who may just recently have returned home (from weekend travelling). If you’re in that Thorncliffe area or any of the outlying communities please check your homes if you’ve just come home. And that goes for people who have checked their homes perhaps on the first day and haven’t checked since.”
Police also noted Parker has a habit of locking doors behind him, and may be somewhere behind a locked door.
Meanwhile, Calgary Police released more CCTV footage of Parker Monday.
They say it was captured on Thursday, July 16 at approximately 12:47 p.m. near McKnight Boulevard and Centre Street N.W.
This footage was taken just minutes before previously released video from Thorncliffe and helps police further establish Parker’s movements that day.
“While it has not generated new leads, it remains an important piece of the investigation,” says a police statement.
They’re asking anyone in the Thorncliffe area who has CCTV footage from July 16 to Monday to submit it, even if Parker does not appear in the footage in attempts to identify travel routes.
“This video was located through an extensive AI-assisted review of evidence. Investigators are reviewing a massive volume of CCTV, residential security camera & dashcam footage, & this technology is helping us identify potential sightings much more quickly than would otherwise be possible.”
Parker, who is neurodivergent and non-verbal, was last seen at his day home in the 0-100 block of Connaught Drive N.W. sometime between 11:08 a.m. and 11:41 a.m. Thursday. He was shirtless and wearing grey shorts, black Skechers shoes and black noise-cancelling headphones.
Police say articles of clothing believed to belong to Parker were found around noon Thursday in the 0 to 100 block of Northmount Drive N.W. He may become frightened if approached by strangers. Parker is described as being 4-foot-11, weighing approximately 90 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Investigators are using information from Parker’s family about his interests and habits to help guide the search. Officers have also been playing some of his favourite Disney songs from patrol vehicles and other search resources in areas where crews are actively searching.
Since Parker was reported missing, more than 300 Calgary police officers have been involved in the search, conducting door-to-door inquiries and canvassing surrounding communities. RCMP members have also joined CPS search teams.
Investigators have reviewed, or are reviewing, about 50 hours of CCTV, residential security camera and dashcam footage.
Search efforts have focused on the communities of Cambrian Heights, Thorncliffe, North Haven, North Haven Upper, Highwood, Highland Park, Greenview, Greenview Industrial Park, Nose Hill Park and surrounding areas.
Parker’s family release statement, ask for privacy
Police said Monday “Parker’s family thanks the media and the public for their support and assistance. They respectfully request privacy at this time while search efforts continue.”
This follows a statement released by the family over the weekend.
“Since he went missing, our family has been living every parent’s worst nightmare,” the statement reads. “Every hour that passes without knowing where he is or whether he is safe has been incredibly difficult for us.”
The family is asking Calgarians to continue searching for Parker, checking neighbourhoods, parks, green spaces, yards, sheds, garages, hot tubs and other places where he may have sought shelter.
They noted Parker experiences the world differently and may not respond when his name is called. He can also become frightened when approached by strangers.
The family is asking anyone who spots Parker not to approach him. Instead, they are urging people to give him space and contact police immediately with his location.
“A single sighting, a piece of video footage, or one small detail could help bring him home safely,” the statement says.
The family also thanked community members who have joined the search effort, shared Parker’s photo and provided information to investigators.
“Knowing that so many people care and are looking for our son has given us strength during the most difficult time of our lives,” the statement reads. “Parker is deeply loved, and he is missed immensely. We just want our son home.”
Anyone with information about Parker’s whereabouts, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage, is asked to contact Calgary police at 403-266-1234 or submit information through the online portal.
