Police Lights (Photo: Jason Rojas/Flickr)
A 17-year-old boy with autism was the subject of a large search effort Monday night after it was believed he became lost in Cattus Island County Park in Toms River.
According to police spokeswoman Jillian Messina, multiple Toms River police and fire units, including the K9 and detective units, were alerted to the missing teen at approximately 5:50 p.m. The search also included the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, Ocean County Sheriff K9 and Drone units, as well as Silverton EMS.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., the boy was located by Toms River Fire Company members in a wooded area. He was taken to Community Medical Center as a precautionary measure.
“We would like to thank all of the first responders who came out to look for this young man, as well as the residents in the neighborhood who are on alert to make sure he came home safe tonight,” Police Chief Mitch Little said.
