Shreveport, LA – The Shreveport Police Department is urgently searching for 10-year-old Josiah Bates, who ran away from Westwood Elementary School earlier today at dismissal time. His sudden disappearance has sparked concern among his family, school officials, and law enforcement, and officers are actively working to bring him home safely. Josiah’s family, devastated by his disappearance, has been waiting anxiously for any sign of him, and the community is on high alert as the search efforts intensify.
The situation unfolded when Josiah was last seen leaving the school premises alone shortly after school had let out. Authorities quickly became involved in the search, with officers mobilizing to search nearby areas where Josiah could have gone. The disappearance of such a young child has sent waves of concern throughout the city, and the community is rallying to assist in the search, hoping to bring him home safely.
Josiah Bates is described as a 10-year-old Black male, standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing approximately 80 pounds. At the time of his disappearance, Josiah was wearing a blue skull cap, a blue jacket, a purple and gold LeBron Lakers jersey, blue jeans, and white shoes. He also had a white backpack featuring SpongeBob designs. These distinct articles of clothing and the unique design of his backpack may assist the public in recognizing him should they come across anyone matching his description.
Shreveport police have been actively working to locate Josiah, conducting searches in the surrounding neighborhoods, parks, and local areas where he might have gone to seek shelter or comfort. The authorities are also canvassing the vicinity, trying to determine if Josiah headed to any areas he frequented or felt familiar with. Police officers are working in coordination with school staff, family members, and community leaders to determine potential locations where he may have gone.
As the search efforts continue, the Shreveport Police Department is asking nearby business owners, residents, and drivers to remain vigilant and to check their security cameras or dashcams for any footage that may provide clues regarding Josiah’s whereabouts after he left school. This footage could prove vital in piecing together Josiah’s movements and determining the direction he may have gone.
The police are also urging the public to help spread the word about Josiah’s disappearance. Community involvement is crucial in locating him quickly and ensuring his safe return home. The Shreveport Police Department has been tirelessly working to coordinate with local organizations, schools, and community groups to assist in locating Josiah. They are also making an active effort to keep the public informed through social media, press releases, and news outlets, asking for any sightings or information about Josiah.
Anyone who believes they have seen Josiah or may have any information on his whereabouts is urged to call the Shreveport Police Department at (318) 673-7300 immediately. Authorities are encouraging the public to reach out, even with the smallest piece of information, as it could lead to finding Josiah. Every tip could be the key to bringing him home safely, and the community is asked to remain on high alert and to report anything that could help in the search.
In addition to requesting information, the Shreveport Police Department is also reminding the public that harboring a runaway child is a criminal offense. If Josiah has taken shelter with someone, that individual must immediately contact law enforcement to ensure his safe return to his family. The law is clear: knowingly harboring a runaway child is a crime, and it is essential that anyone who may have information or who may have assisted Josiah in any way contact the authorities immediately to avoid legal consequences. The priority remains the safe return of Josiah to his family, and law enforcement is urging anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to come forward.
For Josiah’s family, the search for their son is a race against time. Each passing minute increases the urgency to locate him and bring him home safely. His family is devastated, and the emotional toll of not knowing where he is or what has happened to him is taking a profound emotional and mental toll. Every member of his family is doing everything they can to stay hopeful and to assist in the search. They continue to lean on law enforcement and the community for support as the search intensifies.
As the investigation progresses, police are also working with other local agencies and law enforcement to expand the search efforts beyond the immediate vicinity of Westwood Elementary School. The goal is to cover as much ground as possible, including searching other areas Josiah may have wandered into, such as local parks, neighborhoods, and public areas. Law enforcement is also reviewing any possible leads from individuals who may have seen something or interacted with Josiah after his departure from school.
Local schools have also been on high alert, and school officials are working closely with the police to assist in gathering any potential information that could help find Josiah. School staff have provided descriptions of Josiah’s appearance and his usual routes home, hoping that someone may have seen him after his departure from school grounds. The cooperation between the school, local community, and law enforcement has been invaluable in narrowing down search areas and determining where Josiah may have gone.
The sense of community in Shreveport has rallied around Josiah’s family, with neighbors, friends, and even strangers offering their help and support. Many individuals have taken to social media to spread awareness about Josiah’s disappearance, posting flyers, and sharing his description in hopes of reaching a wider audience. The city’s residents are doing everything in their power to assist in bringing Josiah back safely, and the outpouring of support from the public has been overwhelming.
As the investigation continues, the Shreveport Police Department is hopeful that the combined efforts of law enforcement, the community, and the public will lead to Josiah’s safe return. While the situation is still uncertain, the police are confident that they can bring him home with the help of the public’s cooperation and vigilance. They continue to emphasize the importance of reporting any potential sightings or tips that could assist in the search.
Every minute that passes without knowing Josiah’s whereabouts only increases the concern for his safety. The community is urged to come together to support Josiah’s family and to help find him. If you see Josiah Bates or know any details that may help in finding him, do not hesitate to contact Shreveport Police at (318) 673-7300. Your help could be the key to bringing this young boy home and reuniting him with his family, where he belongs.
