GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Grand Rapids Police Department is asking for people in the Rockford area to check their outbuildings for any sign of a 16-year-old who was reported missing last month.
The last place Cortez McConer is known to have been was near the McDonald’s on E. Division Street near Wolverine Boulevard in Rockford on Oct. 26 when he and two friends took off from police, GRPD said in a Monday release. The friends were found shortly afterward, but at first would not say McConer was with them.
Chief Eric Winstrom said it could be possible that Cortez is actively hiding, believing that he is in trouble with police. But the chief said GRPD’s “only interest is in bringing Cortez home safely.”
GRPD, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police have used drones, dogs and helicopters to look for McConer in the area where he was last seen. Police released a map Monday outlining an area southeast of Rockford and asking anyone in or around that area to check sheds, covered pools and hot tubs or other outbuildings where McConer might hide.
Detectives say they’ve followed up on many tips but none have led to new confirmed sightings or evidence. If you think you see McConer, you’re asked to take a photo and send it to GRPD.
Family says a $4,000 reward is being offered for information in the case. Anyone with information can call GRPD at 616.456.3380 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345.