Police have issued an Amber Alert and are asking for the public's help in their search for five-year-old Nathan O'Brien and his maternal grandparents, Kathryn and Alvin Liknes.
The boy's father, Rod O'Brien, has said that the family will offer an award in excess of $100,000 for their safe return.
But Calgary Police Chief Rick Hansen told a local radio station Wednesday that a reward offer could lead to bogus tips and create more work for police.
Nathan was staying with his grandparents at their southwest Calgary home overnight Sunday. When his mother went to the house on Monday morning, they were all gone.
Calgary police said evidence found at the grandparents' home suggests their disappearance "may be suspicious." Investigators did not elaborate on what was found at the home, but said there were no custody issues with the family.
A police spokesperson said Tuesday that there were signs the grandparents and the boy "did not leave on their own volition."
The grandparents were in the process of moving out of their home and held an estate sale over the weekend. Police now want to speak to anyone who was at the sale.
An Amber Alert remains in effect as the search for Nathan and his grandparents continue.
Investigators are looking for:
- Nathan O'Brien, 5, who is described as Caucasian, approximately 3-feet tall with blond, curly hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing peach-coloured shorts and a striped blue hoodie.
- Alvin Cecil Liknes, 66, who is described as Caucasian, 6-feet-tall, 200 pounds, with a slim build and grey/blond hair. Police say he has a distinctive walk.
- Kathryn Faye Liknes, 53, who is described as Caucasian, 5-foot-3, 120 pounds with red/brown hair and green eyes.
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