Peel police continued their search Friday morning for a missing three-year-old boy who they say is “vulnerable” and may be non-verbal.
The boy, named Zaid, was last seen in Erindale Park in Mississauga at about 6:20 p.m. Thursday. He was in the popular park with his parents when he wandered off, according to Sgt. Jennifer Trimble.
“In a moment, he was just gone,” she told reporters.
Zaid is described as having a thin build with a short, dark afro, wearing a yellow shirt with red writing on it, black pants and no shoes or socks.
Police, firefighters and paramedics all helped with the search late into the night, Trimble said.
Images from the scene showed crews searching the Credit River, which flows through the park. There is also an extensive trail network and many heavily wooded areas in the area.
Peel police’s bicycle and drone units were assisting in the effort Friday.
“We are doing absolutely everything we can to locate Zaid and bring him back to his family,” she said.
According to Trimble, police have heard from many community members who want to participate in the search.
“This is a very methodical search we are conducting. We have a lot of resources in the park…. At this time, we don’t need any additional help,” she said.
Anyone who sees the boy is asked to call 911 immediately.