College is working to help find Cole Burbank, missing since April 13      

Today marks a week since Clark College Running Start student, Cole Burbank, was reported missing. While there are no new facts to report on this case, we wanted to provide an update on the search for Cole and how we at the college can help.

We understand this is a stressful situation and may create questions for some members in our community.

What is the college doing?

The college, including members of leadership, security, and faculty, has been working closely with local police departments to support their investigation in any way possible within our legal bounds. At this time, the investigation is ongoing.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to you as we are able and when information is available.

We have heard reports that “Missing Person” fliers posted around campus are being taken down, perhaps by conscientious staff or students aware of the college’s flier approval procedure. At this time, the college is waiving that procedure in the case of Cole Burbank fliers. As long as they are not displacing and/or covering up an existing flier or poster, Missing Person fliers for Cole may be placed anywhere on campus where they may help. Our Security and Student Life staff have already displayed the flier on their own public bulletin boards, and we encourage other departments to do so as well. A copy of the current flier being distributed by the Camas Police Department is available here for download.

How can I help?

We want to urge anyone within our community—staff, faculty, or student—who has any information that might help police locate Cole to report it immediately by calling 911. Do not take it upon yourself to conduct your own investigation. While the desire to be helpful is understandable, working outside of established law enforcement can actually hinder the investigation.

Cole was last seen on Thursday, April 13. According to witnesses, he attended at least one of his classes at Clark College that morning; police say that his cell phone “pinged” north of campus after that. He is described as 16 years old, 5’10”, 140 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes, and he was last known to be driving a black 2010 Honda Accord with a sunroof, Washington license plate AKW3441. Again, if you think you see Cole or his vehicle, please report it to the police by calling 911.

Am I safe?

At this time, the police are treating this matter as a missing persons case, with no determination as to whether or not Cole’s disappearance was voluntary. We want to remind our community that our Safety & Security staff work to maintain our safety at all times. They provide these reminders of things we all can do to help keep ourselves safe:

• Even though we have more daylight at this time of year, it’s still advisable to park as close to lighted areas as possible.
• Avoid areas with heavy foliage.
• Walk in pairs or call Security for an escort at X2133 (360-992-2133).
• Keep your phone handy and program in Security’s number so it’s easy to access in case you need to call for assistance immediately.
• Get a Security whistle from the Security office.
• Call Security at X2133 anytime you feel unsafe or have cause for concern.

How do I handle my or others’ anxiety?

We understand that this may prove to be a particularly stressful time for some members of our community. We want to remind you that students have access to free mental health counseling through our Counseling and Health Center in HSC 124. They can also be reached at 360-992-2614.