The mother and stepfather of a missing 12-year-old boy in Oklahoma have been taken into custody on child abuse allegations, authorities said, as the search for the child enters its second week.
Investigators said the arrests come amid growing concern for the boy’s safety after he was reported missing more than seven days ago. Officials confirmed that search efforts remain ongoing.
The boy, identified as Ryan Davis, was last seen on January 2 in Chickasha. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has described his disappearance as “suspicious.”
Chickasha police have issued an endangered missing advisory for the 12-year-old, who is also known by the names RJ and Ryker, as efforts to locate him continue.
After state authorities joined the investigation, Ryan’s mother, Kimberly Cole, and stepfather, George Cole, were taken into custody late Wednesday night, according to the OSBI. Officials said the arrests were made on complaints of child abuse, child sexual abuse, and conspiracy.
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“During the conversation with them, it was learned that there was apparent harm done to this child while he was living with these two parents,” OSBI spokesperson Hunter McKee told during a press briefing on Thursday announcing the arrests.
McKee added that investigators executed search warrants as part of the probe prior to the arrests. He declined to share specific details about the alleged abuse, saying investigators are waiting for formal charges to be filed. However, he emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “It was not a safe environment for him.”
“This is extremely sad. This is a horrific case so far for everybody involved,” McKee further added.
The parents remain in custody at the Caddo County Jail, according to online jail records. Formal charges have not yet been filed, McKee said Friday.
Meanwhile, the search for Ryan continues with urgency. The OSBI has announced a $5,000 reward for information that can “confirm RJ’s location, leading to his safe return.”
McKee said investigators are deploying drones, canine units, and other specialized resources, with search efforts focused on a rural area between Caddo and Grady counties. Multiple law enforcement agencies are assisting in the operation.
“We’re still receiving several tips, we’re still following up on those tips, but the boy has not been found,” McKee stated during Thursday’s press briefing. “We do believe he is alive at this time, so we are doing everything we can to locate him.”
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McKee noted that the child has gone missing in the past, though investigators are still working to understand the circumstances surrounding those incidents. He added that law enforcement is coordinating with the state’s human services department as part of the investigation.
“All we want to do is lay eyes on this child, get him the medical care that he needs, and assure him, physically and emotionally, he will not be returning back to that environment,” according to Chickasha Police Chief Goebel Music during Thursday’s press briefing.
Police said Ryan was last confirmed seen around 11:20 p.m. on January 2, walking near the intersection of Fourth Street and Grand Avenue in Chickasha, about 40 miles southwest of Oklahoma City.
Ryan is described as 4 feet 11 inches tall and weighing about 85 pounds. He was last seen wearing a red and black plaid shirt, dark jeans, and brown steel-toe boots. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the OSBI tip line at 800-522-8017.