Frank Rondel
Oklahoma law enforcement officials have arrested the mother and stepfather of a missing 12-year-old boy on allegations of child abuse as the search for the child enters its second week, reports customreceipt.com via enguide.pl. The child, identified as Ryan Davis, disappeared earlier this month under circumstances investigators have described as suspicious.
According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), Ryan Davis was last seen on January 2 in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Local police have issued an endangered missing advisory for the boy, who is also known by the names RJ or Ryker. Authorities say concerns about his safety prompted state investigators to join the case shortly after he was reported missing.
Following interviews conducted during the investigation, Ryan’s mother, Kimberly Cole, and his stepfather, George Cole, were taken into custody late Wednesday night. OSBI confirmed that the couple was arrested on complaints related to child abuse, child sexual abuse, and conspiracy. Search warrants were also executed at locations connected to the family prior to the arrests.
OSBI spokesperson Hunter McKee stated during a Thursday press briefing that investigators uncovered evidence indicating the child suffered harm while living with the two adults. While specific details of the alleged abuse were not disclosed pending the filing of formal charges, McKee said the environment in which Ryan had been living was unsafe. He described the case as deeply troubling for all involved.
Booking records show that Kimberly Cole and George Cole remain detained at the Caddo County Jail. As of Friday, officials said no formal charges had yet been filed, and it was unclear whether the couple had legal representation.
The search for Ryan Davis continued on Friday, with OSBI announcing a $5,000 reward for information that can confirm his location and lead to his safe return. Investigators are concentrating efforts in a rural area spanning Caddo and Grady counties. The operation includes the use of drones, trained canines, and support from multiple law enforcement agencies.
Authorities say they are actively reviewing tips from the public, though the child has not yet been located. McKee noted that investigators believe Ryan is still alive and emphasized that all available resources are being deployed to find him.
Officials also confirmed that Ryan had been reported missing on a previous occasion, though the circumstances surrounding that incident remain under investigation. Law enforcement agencies are coordinating with the state’s human services department as part of the ongoing inquiry.
During the same press briefing, Chickasha Police Chief Goebel Music said the primary goal of the operation is to locate the child and ensure he receives necessary medical and emotional care. He added that authorities want to ensure Ryan will not be returned to an environment deemed unsafe.
Before her arrest, Kimberly Cole spoke briefly with ABC Oklahoma City affiliate KOCO, thanking community members who assisted in the search and expressing hope for her son’s return.
Police said Ryan Davis was last confirmed to have been seen at approximately 11:20 p.m. on January 2, walking near the intersection of Fourth Street and Grand Avenue in Chickasha, about 40 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. He is described as standing 4 feet 11 inches tall and weighing about 85 pounds. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a red and black plaid shirt, dark jeans, and brown steel-toe boots. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the OSBI tip line at 800-522-8017.
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