Image: RCMP / Pattison Media

By Alyssa Conti

POLICE STATEMENT

Mission RCMP addresses concerns about youth who did not want to come home

May 2, 2025 | 11:59 AM

MISSION — Mission RCMP are hoping to address some misinformation about a youth who was previously reported missing after an online post alleged that police were not taking action on the case.

A public Facebook post made by Paul Dobson on Wednesday, April 30, claimed that his son is missing and being hidden by a man who has also taken in other vulnerable teens.

He wrote: “I’ve called the RCMP every day for the last several days — 4 or 5 times just yesterday. They keep telling me someone will call me back. No one has. I’ve requested a peace bond, and the officers said they’d send me the paperwork. They haven’t.”

The parent then went on to list several laws, such as abduction under 16 and exploitation of a minor, and claimed they were being broken. Police are now hoping to clear some of those details up.

Police hope to debunk misinformation

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On April 20, RCMP received a report of a missing youth who hadn’t been seen for two days. He was found at another residence but did not want to come home, at which point the RCMP determined his well-being was not compromised, and they had no authority to remove the youth or return him to his parents.

A second report came in five days later, suggesting the youth may be at risk. Police immediately investigated, found no evidence to show he was in danger, and again, did not establish authority to bring him back to his parents.

“We sympathize with the family and hope that they can reunite with their son,” said Inspector Ted Lewko, Officer in Charge of the Mission RCMP. “Many of my officers are parents as well and recognize the intense frustration that can result from such situations.”

Mounties said they made those judgments with the Ministry of Children and Family Development and other relevant partners.

“We have worked diligently to find a resolution and have engaged external resources for the family. We will continue to do everything we can under the circumstances,” Lewko added.

Mission RCMP also said they are aware of an online post about the case, as it resulted in several calls to the RCMP by community members. The post quoted File Number 2025-4602, which police have confirmed to Fraser Valley Today.

Dobson updated his original post to note that the youth has been found, saying, “The father made the decision to leave Mission; however, thanks to the overwhelming support and outreach from all of you, he chose not to take [the youth] with him.”

“He did leave the area with one child who is not biologically his. The police have been informed and are aware of the situation.”