Crystal Lake

Missing Crystal Lake Boy: Tow Truck Drivers Spend Night Searching

The child is about 3 feet, 5 inches tall, weighs roughly 70 pounds and has short, blond hair

Tow truck drivers in northwest suburban Crystal Lake voluntarily spent their night searching for a missing child.

Nick Wanker and a friend said they took it upon themselves to drive around overnight and early Thursday morning with their lights on as the search for 5-year-old Andrew Freund continues

"I have little nephews," Wanker said. "Anything it takes." 

Crystal Lake authorities said Andrew, who also goes by “AJ,” was last seen around 9 p.m. Wednesday in the 0-100 block of Dole Avenue. 

Andrew's parents reported they last saw the boy at bedtime Wednesday, but have been unable to locate him since they woke up Thursday morning. 

Police said they were still investigating the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, but noted an Amber Alert has not been issued because officers are "unable to confirm an abduction occurred." 

Federal authorities quickly joined the hunt for the missing boy Thursday afternoon. 

Meanwihle, an underwater search team nearby descended on Crystal Lake. Crews could be seen searching with cameras from the docks while a sonar boat searched along the shoreline. Police, however, would not confirm that the search is related to the missing boy.

The child is about 3 feet, 5 inches tall, weighs roughly 70 pounds and has short, blonde hair. He was last seen wearing a blue Mario sweatshirt and black sweatpants.

Anyone who may have information on his whereabouts is being asked to call (815) 356-3620. They can also text information along with the word CLPDTIP to 847411.

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