RIVERDALE, Utah – Police in Utah are actively seeking a 17-year-old foreign exchange student who went missing from his host family’s home on Thursday. Originally from China, Kai Zhuang was last seen in Riverdale, which is located approximately 30 miles north of Salt Lake City. Authorities have reason to believe that Zhuang is being held against his will. Despite receiving a ransom note, police have found no evidence of a forced abduction.
In a press conference on Friday, Riverdale Police Chief Casey Warren said that authorities believe that Kai Zhuang, an exchange student from China, was “forcefully taken” and is “being held against his will.” Due to the lack of a known suspect, an Amber Alert has not been issued at this time. On Friday, after receiving a call from Zhuang’s local high school about his concerned parents in China, police issued an endangered missing person advisory.
The investigation began when Kai’s high school received a call from his parents in China, who claimed to have received a ransom letter along with a photograph of their son. Riverdale Police Chief Casey Warren revealed that officers contacted the host family, who were unaware of the teenager’s disappearance. The authorities aim to work closely with the FBI, the U.S. Embassy in China, and Chinese officials to bring Zhuang back home safely. However, the limited information has posed challenges for law enforcement in their search efforts.
Kai Zhuang is about 5’6″ and weighs 150 lbs. He has black hair and dark eyes.s. His exact attire at the time of disappearance remains unknown, but it is noted that he often wears a green jacket.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. The cooperation of the public is crucial in efforts to locate and safely rescue the missing foreign exchange student. Police emphasize the need for extreme caution and sensitivity in handling this case.
Law enforcement agencies will continue to dedicate resources to finding Kai Zhuang and are committed to ensuring his safe return while investigating the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.