The family of missing Bradford teen Siem Zerezghi made a public plea for his safe return this afternoon, six days after he went missing from his home near the Professor Day Drive and Northgate Drive area.
His father, Andmariam Hailemichael, and sister Ruta Zerezghi stood in front of media outside the command post at Bradford District High School to make a desperate plea for him to come home.
"We love you and we miss you, please come home," Ruta pleaded. "Please, Siem, all of the people are worried about you. Our family loves you."
Siem's mother, Kedesan Werede, stood in the high school parking lot surrounded by police officers as she wept and wailed out in despair over her missing son.
Siem is 15 years old and around 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 11 inches in height. He was last seen wearing a blue windbreaker and blue Nike slide sandals with socks.
South Simcoe Police Chief Andrew Fletcher thanked the media and community for their support with the search.
"We know you're asking how you can help, but you have to put all your faith in us that we're doing everything we can," he said. "If you want to help us search your own backyard, search your property, talk to your friends, talk to your families...we do not need any more resources at this time."
"We know he's out there somewhere, we just need to get him home to his family," he said.
Sgt. David Philips said they are optimistic Siem will be found and they have been investigating all possible leads.
A team of more than 40 is assisting with the search, including members of the Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue, Innisfil Fire, BWG Fire and York Regional Police.
Teams have covered a large area, including the Holland Marsh and Holland Marsh drainage system, which is being searched by the York Regional Police marine unit.
Police have also been using a drone to assist in the search.
"We are working on covering more ground as quickly as we can," said Philips.
Police are working behind the scenes checking into any possible leads and tips.
"We're continuing to look for Siem and hoping we can bring him home alive today," he said. "At this point, there's no indication why (he would leave)."
SSP will provide an update on the search at 4 p.m.
Anyone who has any information on the whereabouts of Siem is asked to contact police.
If you would like to provide anonymous info contact Det. Const. Adam Walther at 905-775-3311, ext. 1035, or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477. #FindSiem #missing
"We are worried about you. We love you and we miss you. Please come home." Family of missing #Bradford teen Siem Zerezghi makes emotional plea. Older sister Ruta Zerezghi and father Andmariam Hailemichael speak to media. #FindSiem #missing pic.twitter.com/d364VbDLOS
— South Simcoe Police (@SouthSimcoePS) October 29, 2020
