Darren Cheatham has been located and is safe, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
ORIGINAL REPORT: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has officially upgraded the search for 17-year-old Darren Cheatham to a Missing Child Alert as of Friday. Cheatham was last seen on the 600 block of Denise Avenue in Sebring, Florida, but investigators now believe he may be heading toward or is already within the Broward County area.
Local authorities are describing Cheatham as a Black male, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing approximately 120 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.
While the specific details surrounding his disappearance remain part of an “ongoing investigation,” the transition to a formal Missing Child Alert marks an increased level of urgency in the search efforts.
READ: Florida Missing Child Alert: 12-Year-Old Tampa Girl Missing
Police have issued a specific warning regarding the teenager’s recovery. “If located, DO NOT APPROACH,” the alert states, advising the public to instead maintain distance and notify the authorities immediately.
Officials are asking residents in both Highlands and Broward counties to keep a lookout for anyone matching Cheatham’s description. If you have seen him or have any knowledge regarding his current location, you are urged to contact the Sebring Police Department at 863-471-5108 or dial 911.
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