Alberta issues 'information alert' for missing B.C. boy

Alberta RCMP Sgt. Patrick Webb said in a press release Saturday morning that an "information alert" has been issued in order to expand B.C.'s Amber Alert for Kienan Hebert, who was reported missing Wednesday morning.

"In an effort to get details out to anyone who may travel this weekend, a decision has been made to increase the coverage of information about the search for Kienan Hebert," Webb said. 

"It is possible that some of these travellers may not have seen the general media coverage over the last three days."

Kienan went missing sometime after Tuesday night from his home in Sparwood, B.C., which is 20 kilometres west of the Alberta border at Crowsnest Pass.

Police suspect the red-haired boy was taken by Randall Hopley, 46, a local man with a long criminal record, who was recently released from jail.

"The RCMP wish to remind everyone that they should be observant and aware that this child has not been found as yet," Webb said.

"Anyone traveling or going to recreational areas, visiting cabins or remote areas should check those locations for the vehicle or these persons," Webb said.

On Friday, Webb said that Alberta did not issue an Amber Alert for the missing boy because of the 10 hour lag between the time the boy went missing and the time B.C. RCMP issued its Amber Alert.

On Saturday, Alberta RCMP said that there is still no need to issue an Amber Alert in Alberta for the boy and an "information alert" has been issued instead.

"There is no need to interrupt live radio and TV programming with a repeat of the B.C. Amber Alert content," Webb said.

Alberta-based media, electronic highway signs, and information posted to websites has been sufficient in keeping the public informed, he said.