TORONTO – Toronto police have ramped up their efforts to find a teenage girl who has been missing for six days, as her parents make a heartfelt plea for her return and officers ask the public for any information.
Police report that 14-year-old Esther was last spotted in the Earl Bales Park area of North York on Friday, and they are worried about her safety.
This week, authorities elevated the search to a Level 1 operation, which is their highest response level.
While police haven’t shared specifics about why they upgraded the operation, they noted that out of almost 3,100 missing persons cases last year, only five reached Level 1 status.
Esther is described as white, standing five feet two inches tall with a medium build and brown hair. She was last seen wearing grey sweatpants, a green shirt, and no shoes.
Her parents are reaching out to the community for assistance in locating her. They just want to know she’s safe and express how much they miss her.
“Esti, my love, if you are watching this, please come home. We love you so very much and we miss you terribly,” her mother, Shira, said at a press conference on Tuesday.
“Your family here, across the country and around the world are searching and praying for you every minute.”
Authorities have not disclosed additional details regarding Esther’s disappearance nor indicated that she may have been kidnapped. Officers have employed drones and canine units in their search efforts.
The police have also shared photos of Esther and established a command post at Earl Bales Park while continuing their investigation.
They encourage anyone with security camera footage or relevant information to step forward and help.
This report by The Canadian Press was first May 21, 2026.
Rianna Lim, The Canadian Press
Source link
Source link
