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Police ‘Very Concerned’ About Missing 5-Year-Old Boy

Bay City News
Thursday August 20, 2009 - 11:11:00 AM

Oakland police spokesman Jeff Thomason said today that police are “very concerned” about a 5-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who has now been missing for nine days. 

Hassani Campbell, who lives in Fremont with his foster parents, Louis Ross and Jennifer Campbell, was reported missing from the parking lot of the Shuz of Rockridge shoe store in the 6000 block of College Avenue in Oakland about 4:15 p.m. on Aug. 10. 

Thomason said police are still treating Hassani’s disappearance as a missing persons case and that there is no evidence a crime has been committed. 

“We’re asking the public to call if they have any credible tips,” Thomason said. 

He said police have followed up on all of the approximately 50 tips they’ve received so far but none haS panned out. 

On Monday, Oakland police and Crime Stoppers announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the whereabouts of Hassani. 

Thomason said one caller left about 40 unhelpful messages with Crime Stoppers and clogged its voicemail box. But the voicemail box is now open again, he said. 

Thomason said police talk to Hassani’s foster parents every day and that they are being cooperative. 

On Saturday, law enforcement officials and volunteers searched marshland and shoreline areas at the tip of West Winton Avenue in Hayward as well as Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont but didn’t find anything significant. 

Thomason said police have also searched North Oakland thoroughly. 

Police describe Hassani as a black boy with medium complexion, brown hair and brown eyes. He is about 3 feet tall and weighs about 30 pounds. He was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and gray pants. 

Police said he has difficulty walking because he is disabled. 

Thomason said people with information on the case should call the Oakland Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 777-8572 or 777-3211.