Harley's videos cause concern

PORT CLINTON — A missing teenager had his own YouTube channel when he was 12 and used it to livestream a conversation with viewers. In one video, titled "1st QnA Come And Join Me," a shirtless Harley Dilly gives out his phone number and takes questions from one viewer. "I am 12 right now, Aug. 12," Harley says. He also refers to himself being banned from a social media site.Harley's mom makes video: Stop bashing my familyIn another video, Harley talks about how he was charged with menacing for setting up a schoolmate into a fight for which he planned to sell tickets so others could watch the other boy get beat up.Harley has been missing since Dec. 20. Port Clinton police Chief Rob Hickman initially was using the police department's Facebook page to make announcements about their search efforts. But, late last week, he started having daily press conferences. Hickman does not take questions, however, during this daily briefings, and it's not clear what he hopes to accomplish by having them.Hickman has gotten some pushback after his posts at Facebook, which includes telling readers at the site early on not to search for Harley, assuring commenters at the page that police were conducting a thorough investigation.In another post, Hickman tried to explain about comments that were made about whether police reached out for help to a private detective service."I have received calls and messages as to 'Private Investigators' working with our agency for the disappearance of Harley Dilly," Hickman posted. "WE have asked NO Private Investigation Company to assist us with this search, they may have volunteered, however we have NOT requested their help!" Hickman also is taking some grief from some commenters at social media for telling people to leave their light on so Harley would know it was safe to approach their home. That might not be a safe alternative, according to some. "Unless the police chief can vouch for residents of every home with a light on, he really shouldn't be encouraging a vulnerable and small boy to knock on the doors of strangers' houses," one commenter replied to the chief's suggestion. "Granted, most folks are good and helpful, but it seems a bit risky. A store or business office would be better." David Rader, director of the the Texas EquuSearch Midwest Chapter, said police likely are pouring over cellphone data and Harley's social media accounts. "I would definitely be looking at his phone heavy," Rader said. "They're likely getting subpoenas for Facebook and his phone."Texas EquuSearch Mounted Search and Recovery Team was started in August 2000 to provide volunteer horse mounted search and recovery for lost and missing persons. The team's existence and purpose is dedicated to the memory of Laura Miller, the daughter of our founding director, Tim Miller. Laura was abducted and murdered in north Galveston County in 1984.Police also need to work with family and friends of Harley's in an attempt to find out where the boy's head was at when he went missing Dec. 20."Some kids run away," Rader said. "They're angry at their family. You have to look at all facets of the diamond."Being so active on social media also might have created the opportunity for someone to exploit the boy, he said."Anytime you give personal information out, that's a concern," Rader said. "Did he meet someone? Did he get enticed?"Police have to determine the circumstances as best as can be determined, according to Rader. They have to try understand if "there is foul play or did he want to stay away. There are so many variables."Texas EquuSearch sometimes assists police departments, but "nine times out of 10 the family contacts us," he said. There was no confirmed contact from Harley's family, he said. Hickman said previously the FBI, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification, the sheriff's office and the state patrol all helped in searching the areas where Harley was last seen, including the use of two helicopters. At one point, there were 75 officers from the various organizations assisting in the search that happened after Christmas.Harley is 4-foot, 9-inches tall and weighs about 100 pounds. He has brown hair and green eyes.READ MORE Harley Dilly was 12 when he made a livestreaming YouTube video during which he gave out his personal cell phone number and asked viewers to call him.