Deputies searching along Mississippi River, refer questions to Crystal PD

Hennepin County deputies have been searching wooded areas and the riverfront along Interstate 694 and Interstate 94, but the sheriff's office would not confirm the purpose of the searches. Hennepin County said any requests for information regarding the search must go through the Crystal Police Department.

Deputies are currently searching along the Mississippi River near 49th Avenue in Minneapolis, at North Mississippi Park. Crystal police have not returned calls for comment.

The Crystal Police Department has been investigating the case of missing fourth grader Barway Collins. The 10-year-old boy was last seen on Wednesday, March 18 after exiting his school transportation van near the Cedarwood Apartments on the 5400 block of Douglas Drive North.

Tuesday afternoon, Crystal Police Chief Stephanie Revering name Barway's father, Pierre Collins, as a suspect in the case. The chief said Pierre Collins saw Barway after he exited the school van, and surveillance video shows Barway looking out the window, saying, "There's my dad" and, "Oh, my uncle's here."

Collins continues to defend his name and contends he had nothing to do with his son's disappearance. He also said doesn't know who the uncle is that his son references in the video released by police.

Anybody who may know who Barway is referring to as his uncle is asked to call 911 or Hennepin County Dispatch at 952-258-5321.