In the small town of Weilburg, Germany, the search for six-year-old Pawlos, who has been missing since Tuesday, March 25, 2025, continues to intensify. Authorities have mobilized a significant number of resources in hopes of finding the boy, who is described as having autistic tendencies, making the search particularly challenging.
Pawlos was last seen around 12:45 PM on Tuesday when he left his special needs school without any apparent reason. Within minutes, teachers realized he was missing and initiated a search within the school. After a brief internal search, the police were alerted, marking the beginning of a large-scale operation involving over 600 personnel, including police, firefighters, and volunteers.
As the search entered its fourth day, specialized divers from both the police and the fire department scoured the Lahn River, where Pawlos was last seen. Unfortunately, their efforts yielded no new leads. "We are doing everything possible to find the boy alive, but we cannot rule anything out," stated a police spokesperson on Friday, March 28.
One of the critical developments in the search has been the examination of a video that reportedly shows Pawlos on a busy street, accompanied by a traffic participant. The police believe this footage was recorded on the same day he went missing. According to the Westhessen police, the video depicts a boy who resembles Pawlos standing in the middle of the road, seemingly disoriented. "We currently assume that the recordings were made on Tuesday afternoon," they noted, urging the public to refrain from speculation as investigations continue.
Witnesses have described Pawlos as being very skittish, which complicates the search efforts. Authorities have advised that if anyone spots him, they should not approach him directly but instead call the emergency number 110. This caution stems from his autistic nature, which may cause him to react unpredictably.
Throughout the search, the police have received a significant number of tips from the public, with reports indicating that over a hundred leads have been submitted. These tips are now being prioritized and evaluated, as investigators work tirelessly to piece together Pawlos’ whereabouts.
Weilburg's Mayor, Johannes Hanisch, has been actively involved in the search efforts, appealing to the community for assistance. He emphasized the importance of thoroughly checking gardens, sheds, and other potential hiding spots where Pawlos might be. "We are searching every nook and cranny. We will leave no stone unturned," he declared, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
In addition to ground searches, the police have utilized loudspeakers to broadcast a heartfelt message from Pawlos' mother in Eritrean, pleading for him to come out and not hide. This emotional appeal aims to reach the boy and encourage him to respond if he hears his mother's voice.
As the search continues, the community remains hopeful. Family members and residents have been visibly distressed by the situation, with some even traveling from afar to join the efforts. One young woman, a relative of Pawlos, expressed her anguish, stating, "We just hope to find him alive. It's terrible to wait and feel helpless. We are doing everything we can to find him."
Despite the challenges, the police have reiterated their commitment to finding Pawlos. The search will continue over the weekend, focusing on both land and water areas as new strategies are implemented. "We are now concentrating on evaluating numerous tips and video materials, including footage from buses and trains," a police representative stated.
Authorities have also warned against sharing unverified information on social media, which could hinder the investigation. The police have encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of Pawlos immediately.
As the search enters another critical phase, the community of Weilburg stands united in their efforts to locate Pawlos. With each passing day, hope remains that the young boy will be found safe and sound. The police hotline remains open for tips at 06431 / 91 40 599, and they continue to ask for the public's help in this urgent matter.
