JASPER, Texas — A 15-year-old boy with autism has been safely located, according to Chief Scott Duncan with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.
Duncan tells 12News John Wayne Richard is safe and back home with his mother.
The chief said someone saw Richard walking down Highway 1131 near Evadale and contacted the sheriff's office. Deputies found the teen in the area, picked him up, and took him to his parents.
Duncan said Richard was hungry and cold when he was found.
It is unknown if Richard was in the woods or at someone’s house while missing.
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Jasper County sheriff's deputies are looking for a 15-year-old autistic boy named John Wayne Richard.
Richard was last seen between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. Thursday morning, according to Chief Scott Duncan with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials revealed the teen was also seen on County Road 873 near Evadale.
Richard is described by police as a male with brown hair, wearing blue jeans, a black jacket and a distinctive drawstring backpack.
Richard’s mom said the boy is with his dog named Bootsie, according to a Facebook post.
Anyone with information about the child's whereabouts can call the Jasper County Sheriff's Office at (409) 384-5417 or (409) 920-1333.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.