Police are searching for a missing 9-year-old boy Friday night who is believed to have entered the water near the Louise Bridge.
Darius Bezecki is believed to have gone into the north side of the Red River, which is west of the bridge, but police can’t confirm. Police are releasing his photo in hopes that he exited the water and may be spotted.
“Unfortunately, we believe there’s a pretty strong possibility that this boy entered the water,” Winnipeg police Cst. Jay Murray told Global News. “We don’t know the whereabouts of where he is at this time, we’re continuing to search the waterway.”
“There is a chance this individual left the water and we’re asking people to be mindful, anyone that lives on the riverbank if they can keep an eye out or see anything suspicious, call police.”
WFPS responded to a call just after 4:30 p.m. of an individual in distress in the Red River near the bridge.
Initial attempts to find the boy were unsuccessful and the scene was turned over to police.
Police used a drone that uses thermal imaging technology and a zoom camera.
While officers are keeping all options open, Murray said this is likely a recovery mission.
The WPS Underwater Search & Recovery Unit will resume the search Saturday morning.