At what point can Toronto Police use their new helicopter when searching for a missing child? Officials have not answered questions about whether the $134-million Airbus H135 helicopter was deployed in the search for 14-year-old Esther, who has been missing since Friday night.
Helicopter Not Seen in Search
From all accounts, it does not appear the helicopter has yet been used to find Esther. When police showcased the aircraft in October 2024, they indicated it would help locate missing persons. Chief Myron Demkiw stated at the time: "A helicopter will help us find missing and vulnerable persons. In short, a helicopter will help us fight crime in our city and save lives."
Despite this, no sightings of the helicopter have been reported during the search. Police have not responded to questions about its absence. Meanwhile, volunteers have been active, with some even facing parking enforcement while posting missing flyers.
Search Shifts Downtown
The focus of the search has moved from North York to downtown Toronto. Matthew Taub of Unapologetically Jewish is asking volunteers to search the city's core and distribute posters. Esther's parents, Shira and Joseph, describe their daughter as a gentle soul who makes friends easily.
Toronto Police Insp. Jon Rose stated that Esther was last seen wearing a turquoise sweater. He noted that the search is now a Level One search, providing more tools than a Level Three. However, the helicopter has not been deployed, and the K9 Unit has also not been used.
The public deserves clarity on when additional resources are utilized and why the helicopter has not been noticeably involved in this case.
