Burnaby RCMP have initiated a province-wide campaign using billboards to aid in the search for 11-year-old Kai Pavlovic, who has been missing. The billboards will be positioned across various locations in the Lower Mainland and throughout British Columbia, commencing on Friday, according to law enforcement officials. Const. Joelle Kerridge of the Burnaby RCMP emphasized the importance of public vigilance in locating Kai, stating that investigators have been diligently pursuing leads to find him since a wellness check request was made for Kai on September 26.
Authorities believe that Kai is currently under the care of an unknown individual, though their identity remains unknown. Kerridge mentioned that discussions with Kai’s family have led them to suspect that he is still in the custody of a caretaker, prompting a direct appeal to the caretaker or anyone with knowledge of their whereabouts. The RCMP emphasized the urgency for the caretaker, if they have Kai, to come forward and contact them to ensure Kai’s safety and well-being.
Responding to inquiries about Kai’s safety, Kerridge noted that it is not uncommon for him to be in the care of a guardian. She urged the public to observe the billboards and reach out to Burnaby RCMP with any information regarding the caretaker’s identity. Due to privacy concerns and the ongoing nature of the investigation, Kerridge declined to disclose details of communications with the family.
In efforts to reach the Serbian community, with whom Kai’s family has close ties, the police have disseminated a Serbian-language news release. Kai is described as approximately five feet tall, with a slender build and brown hair. Anyone with information on Kai’s whereabouts is urged to contact Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999 or their local police department.
Despite the search efforts, an Amber Alert has not been issued for Kai as the situation does not meet the criteria for such an alert. In British Columbia, Amber Alerts are reserved for the most severe and time-sensitive child abduction cases, excluding those involving parental abductions unless the child’s life is in immediate danger. Specific conditions must be met for an alert to be issued, including the victim being under 18, believed to be abducted and facing imminent peril, along with sufficient information on the victim, abductor, and/or vehicle involved that allows for a prompt alert issuance with a reasonable chance of the child’s safe return.
