20 years later, new lead emerges in Fort Myers infant abduction case

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Investigators are now focusing on Washington state in the search for a baby who was abducted from Florida nearly 20 years ago.

Bryan Dos Santos Gomes was just 28 days old when he was taken on Dec. 1, 2006.  The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, working with the Fort Myers Police Department, says a new tip from Tacoma, Washington has brought fresh momentum to the case.

Authorities say recent leads suggest Bryan could be living in Washington state, possibly unaware of what happened to him as a baby.

According to law enforcement, a woman driving a dark SUV approached Bryan's mother and a friend asking for directions. The suspect later forced Bryan's mother out of the vehicle at knifepoint and fled with the infant.

Bryan has not been seen since.

While detectives are focused on Washington state, they want to remind the public that Bryan or the woman believed to have abducted him could be living or traveling anywhere in the country.

"The Fort Myers Police Department is certain that someone knows where Baby Bryan is," detective Rich Harasym said. "We ask anyone who may have information that they please contact NCMEC or the Fort Myers Police Department. If you know something, say something. Let's bring closure to the family of Baby Bryan."

New investigative efforts include DNA testing of evidence collected at the time. Last year, NCMEC released a new age-progression image showing what Bryan may look like today at 18 years old.

Police have also created a sketch of the suspect, along with the vehicle she was driving.

"We encourage everyone to take a close look at these images," said Angeline Hartmann, director of Communications at NCMEC. "Sometimes, all it takes is the right person recognizing something that can help bring a missing child home."

Anyone with information about Bryan Dos Santos Gomes is urged to contact NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678 or the Fort Myers Police Department at 239-321-7700.