Victoria Police Constable Hailed a Hero for Finding Missing Child

ESQUIMALT - Constable Teresa Tuttle is a hero. She found 6 year-old Jurian Vezerian more than two hours after he was reported missing. It was her gentle approach and plain clothes that drew Jurian out from the bushes where he was hiding outside his home, an approach that only a mother can take.
"I asked if he was cold and he said yes. It was scary. As a parent you know, you worry," said Cst. Tuttle.

For more than two hours Cst. Tuttle and dozens of other Victoria police officers scoured the area around Macauley Elementary School. Jurian was last seen at 10:30am. He went out for recess with his friends, but didn't return to class.

Victoria police conducted a massive search on the ground and water, and enlisted their K9 unit. They notified BC Transit, the airport and BC Ferries. Public works personnel were on alert, and so were Military police.

An Amber Alert was not issued. Police did not believe he had been abducted or got into a vehicle. Why Jurian walked away from school, police aren't sure. How he got off school grounds is also a mystery, although the school district says it will conduct it's own review of the situation.

Tonight Jurian's parents and relatives have requested privacy as they recover from today's emotional trauma. But they offer their heartfelt thanks to Victoria police for their quick action.

"I can't imaging what the parents were going through," says Cst. Tuttle.

"We all have children," adds Sgt. Grant Hamilton, "and we take it very seriously, so we'll do whatever we can."

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