Missing 13-Year-Old Found Safe in North Dakota

UPDATE: The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension announced on Wednesday, March 29, that 13-year-old Gary Tilander was found safe in North Dakota.

The Bemidji Police Department said in a press release that a concerned citizen contacted the International Falls Police Department with a tip regarding the possible location of Gary. The tip was relayed to Bemidji PD and the MN BCA.

Both agencies followed up on the lead, and were able to locate Gary at a residence in Lidgerwood, North Dakota.

The case is under investigation at this time, and no further information has been released.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji Police Department continues to seek the public’s assistance in locating 13-year-old Gary Allen Tilander.

Gary was last seen on the 600 block of Mississippi Avenue in Bemidji on Wednesday, February 22 around 8:30 a.m. He is described as 6’1″, 160 pounds with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing a black Flight Jordan Jumpman hoodie, red ball cap, light grey sweatpants, and black hightop Nike shoes.

Detectives have received information regarding numerous sightings of Gary along Highway 71 near the City of Blackduck. Air searches in the area were conducted on Feb. 28 and continue today.

The Bemidji PD is asking residents between Tenstrike and International Falls to check their properties, including campers, outbuildings, or other structures where someone might seek shelter.

If anything is located that might assist law enforcement in locating Gary, please contact the Bemidji PD at 218-333-9111 or dial 911.