COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The search for a missing 11-year-old boy from El Paso County continued Saturday as volunteers and law enforcement focused in on the area of Lorson Ranch subdivision, according to a news release from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.
Gannon Stauch disappeared Monday afternoon after he left his home in the 6000 block of Mandan Drive in Security, southeast of Colorado Springs. The boy's stepmother, Letecia "Tecia" Stauch, said he left his home on foot to play at a friend's house down the street, according to the sheriff's office.
Saturday's search efforts drew about 160 people. The sheriff's office declined to explain if they found anything useful.
Authorities first classified the boy as a runaway, but his disappearance was later upgraded to a missing/endangered persons case, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation became involved.
The sheriff's office said investigators were looking at "persons of interest" who might be able to give them additional information on Stauch's whereabouts.
They say Stauch takes special medication and was last seen wearing a blue jacket and jeans.
Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jacqueline Kirby stressed that people with tips should report them to their tip line – 719-520-6666 – and not on social media, which will not be considered.
Officials said the sheriff's office has received 72 tips to date and continue to follow-up and vet each lead coming in.
