ROCKFORD, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Police say it's possible that a missing 16-year-old is actually hiding because he thinks he may be in legal trouble.
They are asking for people in the Rockford area to check their outbuildings to see if Cortez McConer might be hiding out there. His last confirmed location was west of Courtland Drive and Kies Street. He was last seen on East Division Street near Wolverine Boulevard on October 26.
Here is more information from a GRPD news release:
Cortez McConer Jr, aged 16, is still missing. His last confirmed location was west of Courtland Drive NE and Kies St NE in Rockford, Mich., when he and two friends fled from police near the McDonald’s on E. Division. The friends were located shortly after the stop and did not initially confirm that Cortez was with them.
“It is possible that Cortez is actively hiding, believing he is in trouble with the police,” said Chief Eric Winstrom. “He may be avoiding searchers. I want to be clear that our only interest is in bringing Cortez home safely.”
GRPD has been working with our law enforcement partners, including Kent County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan State Police, to conduct searches in the area he was last seen, using personnel, police K9s, drones, and a helicopter. Searches are continuing in the dense wooded areas near his last known location and are expanding out from there. There have also been volunteer searches in the area.
Law enforcement is asking for anyone near the search area to check sheds, covered pools/hot tubs, and other outbuildings where a person might hide.
GRPD detectives have followed up on numerous tips, but none have led to any new confirmed sightings or evidence.
“If you think you see Cortez, we ask that if you are able, take a video or photo and submit that to police,” said Chief Winstrom. “We will continue our efforts to bring this young man home.”\
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Grand Rapids Police Department or Silent Observer. Detectives can be reached at (616) 456-3380 or tips can be sent anonymously through Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345/ www.silentobserver.org.
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The blue line on this aerial photo marks the boundary for the area searched for Cortez McConer. Photo: From: GRPD.