When LE says that they don't believe an SO is out there abducting children, it could mean that MR is their only POI. It could also mean that there haven't been reports of strangers attempting to lure children into their vehicles. (there were several of those preceding Jessica Ridgeway's abduction)
There's always the possibility that an SO saw an opportunity and took advantage of it.
moo
For me that still does not cover the lack of his phone not being switched on in the morning .
It just makes no sense that phone was not at some point switched on.