Today marks the 24rd anniversary since an AMBER Alert was activated for Zachary Bernhardt, when he was just 8 years old. The alert is still active today.
On September 11, 2000, 8-year-old Zachary Bernhardt lived with his mother when he disappeared without a trace.
Zachary lived with his mother, Leah Hackett, at an apartment complex in the 2600 block of Drew Street of Clearwater, FL.
In the news: Without A Trace: Kemberly Ramer, Missing From Her Dad’s Home In Alabama 26-Years Ago
Hackett told Detectives she went to the pool area of the complex at 2:00 a.m. to take a short walk and swim and that Zachary was asleep in his room when she left for her walk.
When Hackett returned, Zachary was missing from their residence.
An extensive search of the area produced no evidence as to Zachary’s whereabouts. Zachary was last seen wearing an unknown color of boxer shorts.
Zachary has a scar on the bridge of his nose, under his chin, and on the upper right side of his lip. Zachary is described as an intelligent and cheerful child who excelled in school.
Detectives conducted hundreds of interviews based on countless leads to identify a suspect in this case. Zachary’s disappearance remains unsolved.
In a video interview on September 11, 2020, Clearwater Police Department Lt. Michael Walek said, “Someone out there knows something and the hope that I have is someone would come forward, to say something and give us one piece of information that we need.”
Anyone with information can call the Clearwater Police Department at (727) 562-4420 or remain anonymous and text a tip to 847411.
Tips can also be made through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1 (800) 843-5678.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
Comments are closed.