Missing Las Vegas boy's grandfather sought

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Las Vegas police say they are looking for the grandfather of a missing boy who was presumed kidnapped in a case that apparently involves drug trafficking.

Police Friday said Clemens Tinnemeyer was a "significant person of interest" in the abduction of 6-year-old Cole Puffinberger, and was believed to be involved in drug dealing when he was last seen in May.

Tinnemeyer last had contact with his family in August. He was reported missing last month and was last seen driving a white 2004 Dodge pickup with Mississippi license plate KA6251.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal said the investigation into this week's home invasion at Cole's home turned up a connection to the child's family and Mexican drug runners. Sources said an unspecified family member apparently had been laundering money for drug traffickers and disappeared owing them as much as $20 million.

Police say three Hispanic men posing as police officers accosted Cole's mother and her fiance at their home early Wednesday. They tied up the adults and demanded money. When no money was found in the home, they left and took the youngster with them.

Federal agents joined the investigation and an Amber Alert has been issued for the child in Nevada and four other states on the chance the suspects were headed to Mexico with the boy.