(Update) Missing in Deltona: Autistic 7-year-old hasn’t been seen since Monday night
(Updated, 11/26/2024, 11:14 a.m.) Not the news we were hoping for, but earlier today, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office provided the following tragic update:
We are saddened to report that we have recovered Charlie’s body from the water. This is the tragic outcome we all worked so hard hoping would not come to pass. We appreciate all the shares, the community support and the assistance from all our partner agencies in this effort.
Our original Missing Child Alert appears below in its entirety . . .
On November 25, law enforcement officials in Volusia County, Florida, shared the startling news that they were desperately searching for a seven-year-old autistic boy named Charlie who ran away from his home on Monday night. Charlie was last seen running north on Stillwater Avenue in Deltona, around 8 p.m. He was wearing a black T-shirt and white/grey shorts.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office reports that Charlie is non-verbal and may be attracted to Christmas lights as well as bodies of water. He has also been known to climb up trees.
Deputies are actively searching the area and bringing in additional resources to aid in the search. A reverse 911 call has been sent to area residents and Charlie’s photo has been provided to area businesses.
Deputies have employed K-9s on the ground assisting in the search. Officials warn that additional foot traffic in the area may affect their ability to track effectively.
We do appreciate everyone who came out to help – but if you can stay in your vehicles and out of the K-9 units’ path, that would be a huge help as well! As soon as we have new information to report, we will post it here asap. ~ Volusia Sheriff’s Office
In addition to their ground search, units are also conducting a search from the air with help from surrounding agencies. That search continued through the predawn hours and into Tuesday morning. Still, there was no sign of the missing boy.
“Thank you to all our partner agencies who have joined in the search, and everyone who’s sharing this post and spreading the word.” ~ ~ Volusia Sheriff’s Office
Around 7:20 a.m. this morning (Tuesday, November 26,) the Sheriff’s Office reported that they were still actively searching the area.
If you see Charlie please call 911.
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Source: Volusia Sheriff’s Office
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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