HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – UPDATE: Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister updated the public and media here: Missing 5-Year-Old Autistic Child Found Deceased In Tampa Retention Pond
ORIGINAL REPORT: The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to find a missing 5-year-old child who disappeared early Friday morning.
Deputies reported that the boy was last seen at around 5:00 a.m. near Cypress Mulch Circle and Northgreen Avenue in the Northdale area of Tampa. Authorities stated that the child is autistic, non-verbal, and does not respond to his name. Officials believe he wandered away from his home.
The missing child is described as a white male, roughly 3 feet 11 inches tall, with brown hair. He was last seen wearing a beige Spider-Man shirt and a diaper, with no pants. Deputies noted he may also be carrying a broken electronic device.
Multiple specialized units are currently involved in the search. Patrol deputies, along with K9 units and HCSO Aviation, are sweeping the surrounding area.
Investigators emphasize that the search is active and ongoing. Anyone who spots the child or has information regarding his whereabouts should call 911 immediately or contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (813) 247-8200.
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