Police in Utah are actively searching for a 17-year-old foreign exchange student, Kai Zhuang, who went missing from the home he was sharing with his host family in Riverdale, approximately 30 miles north of Salt Lake City. The teen was last seen around 3:30 a.m. local time. The Utah Department of Public Safety officially declared Kai Zhuang missing, expressing concerns that he may be held against his will.
Kai Zhuang, originally from China, is described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with black hair and dark eyes. His exact clothing at the time of disappearance is unclear, but authorities mentioned that he often wears a green jacket.
The case took a distressing turn when Kai’s high school contacted the police after hearing from the teen’s parents in China. The parents claimed to have received a ransom note along with a photo of their son. This alarming development prompted the Riverdale Police Department to issue an endangered missing person advisory and launch an investigation.
Riverdale Police Chief Casey Warren revealed in a press conference that officers contacted the host family, who were unaware that the teen was missing. However, Chief Warren emphasized that there is currently no evidence suggesting that Kai was forcefully taken from his home, contradicting an earlier statement that indicated a belief in a potential abduction.
Despite the absence of an Amber Alert, Chief Warren assured the public that law enforcement is actively collaborating on the case. The FBI, the U.S. Embassy in China, and Chinese officials are working alongside Riverdale police to facilitate the safe return of the missing teenager.
Chief Warren acknowledged the limited information available at the moment and urged anyone with relevant details to come forward. He provided contact information for individuals to reach out to Riverdale police at 801-394-6616 or Weber County dispatch at 801-395-8221.
The case has generated heightened concern and attention due to the circumstances surrounding Kai Zhuang’s disappearance and the ransom note received by his parents. The involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies underscores the urgency and seriousness with which authorities are treating this situation. The collaborative efforts between U.S. and Chinese officials reflect the international implications of the case and the importance of a swift and coordinated response to ensure the safety and well-being of the missing student.