August Reiger Update: Reward offered in case of Okla. teen who vanished on family vacation in Ecuador
(CBS) OKLAHOMA CITY - Officials in Ecuador are offering a reward for the safe return of August Reiger, an Oklahoma teen who disappeared while hiking with his family in Banos more than a week ago, CBS affiliate KWTV reports.
A monetary value for the reward has not yet been determined, family members say, according to the station.
The 18-year-old Reiger, who recently graduated as valedictorian of Oklahoma City's Classen School of Advanced Studies, went missing during on a Father's Day hike while on vacation with his family, officials say.
According to the station, family members say a reported sighting of the missing teen heading toward the Amazon may not be accurate. Other than the alleged sighting last week, no other known evidence suggests August was heading toward the rain forest, the station reports.
Reiger's family has met with the head of the Ecuadorian National police and other top government leaders, who tell the family they have officially categorized the case as a kidnapping, according to the station.
American officials say President Obama is monitoring the case and Mary Falllin, the governor of Oklahoma, has reportedly been in contact with U.S. official in Ecuador.
"Our administration has been told that the U.S. Embassy and the State Department are extending every possible assistance to local authorities. We continue to monitor the situation and pray for August's safe return," Alex Weintz, spokesperson for Gov. Fallin's office said, according to the station.
The Reiger family has reportedly been told it is not unusual for kidnappers to wait months before demanding a ransom. The family is currently being guarded by a police escort, according to the station. The family also says that a special police taskforce has been established to investigate their son's disappearance.