Volunteers who have been searching for missing 10-year-old Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou say they’re planning an ambitious operation on Saturday.
With warmer temperatures on the horizon, volunteers say they want to search both the north and south shores of the Rivière des Prairies between Highway 13 and Papineau Ave.
“The weather is getting better and warmer, so we decided to walk again and cover all the area,” said volunteer coordinator Yolaine Brunette. “The snow is melting, and we will try to find some more clues.”
Volunteers say anyone who wants to help should meet them at the Galeries Normandie on Saturday.
“Even if its one hour, two hours, anything could help,” said volunteer Maria Nicole.
They are also encouraging people to sign an online petition asking the police to re-instate the Amber Alert.
On Thursday police said they were ramping up searches for missing 10-year-old Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou in the Rivière des Prairies.
“One of the most possible theories is that an accident happened,” said Montreal police Insp. Ian Lafrenière.
“Why are we saying that? Because the last time Ariel was seen it was a week ago on Monday at 11:25 a.m.”
READ MORE: Montreal police may soon scale back Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou investigation
Lafrenière explained a “credible witness” came forward to say she spoke to the boy in the Parc des Bateliers the day he went missing.
“For her, it’s a very tough time. We need to protect her. She’s in a state of shock,” he told Global News.
READ MORE: So many volunteers joined the search for Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou that police told them to stop coming
Surveillance footage that has not been released publicly shows the boy entering the park, but not exiting.
“We’re not saying 100 per cent sure this is what happened, but it is is probably what happened.”
WATCH BELOW: Search continues for missing boy Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou
Nevertheless, Lafrenière said police are not putting aside other theories and are continuing to employ sonar, drones, helicopters, foot patrol, ATVs, dogs, divers and boats.
READ MORE: Candlelit vigil held for Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou’s family, now desperate for help
“This is a very tough time for the family. Our thoughts are with the family,” Lafrenière told Global News, adding that the search is far from over.
“This is horrible for the family.”
So far, police have received over 700 tips and more than 500 people have volunteered to help search.
READ MORE: Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou’s family hires private investigator to explore kidnapping theory
“This is a tough moment for the family. As a parent, I want to help them answer that question,” he told Global News.
“It’s far from being over.”
Anyone with any information about Kouakou, or who sees anything near the river is encouraged to call 911.
WATCH BELOW: Candlelit vigil held for Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou’s family, now desperate for help
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