A baby who was abducted from Florida nearly 20 years ago might be living in Washington state today without even knowing he was kidnapped, police say.
Bryan Dos Santos Gomes was only 28 days old when a woman kidnapped him on December 1, 2006. For a long time, the case was cold. Now, the Fort Myers Police Department and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) are working together on a brand-new tip that points directly to Tacoma, Washington. Investigators say the new details have given them fresh momentum.
Back in 2006, Bryan’s mother and a friend were walking when a woman driving a dark SUV pulled up to ask them for directions. The woman then forced Bryan’s mother out of the vehicle at knifepoint, took off with the tiny baby, and was never seen again.
Even though the police are focusing heavily on Washington State, they warn that Bryan and his kidnapper could be living or traveling anywhere in the United States.
To help find him, NCMEC created an age-progression picture that shows what Bryan might look like now as an 18-year-old teenager. Police also have a drawing of the kidnapper, a sketch of her SUV, and a recording of her voice. They are also using new DNA testing on the old evidence to see if it brings up any matches.
“The Fort Myers Police Department is certain that someone knows where Baby Bryan is,” said detective Rich Harasym. “We ask anyone who may have information that they please contact NCMEC or the Fort Myers Police Department. If you know something, say something. Let’s bring closure to the family of Baby Bryan.”
Angeline Hartmann, the director of communications at NCMEC, wants everyone to look closely at the updated photos of Bryan and the suspect sketch. “We encourage everyone to take a close look at these images. So many cases have been solved because someone took a moment to really pay attention,” Hartmann said. “Sometimes, all it takes is the right person recognizing something that can help bring a missing child home.”
If you recognize the description or have any information about Bryan, you can call NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678 or the Fort Myers Police Department at 239-321-7700.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
