EDGEWATER, Fla. – The Edgewater Police Department has launched an urgent search for a 12-year-old boy with autism who was reported missing on Thursday evening. Authorities are asking for the public’s immediate assistance in locating the child, identified as Brayden Milham Hopson.
According to a press release issued by the department, Hopson left his residence on foot at approximately 8 p.m. on Thursday. Officials have pinpointed his last known location to the area of Regent and Bond Street, situated just off Mango Tree Drive and north of 16th Street.
Because of the nature of the situation, police have issued specific instructions for community members who may encounter the boy. “Brayden is autistic,” the statement from the Edgewater Police Department reads. “If you see him, please do not approach, chase or frighten him. Keep him in sight from a safe distance if possible and CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY so officers can respond to his location.”
The department stressed that the child may react unpredictably if approached by strangers, making it vital for citizens to prioritize professional intervention.
Hopson is described as having brown hair and brown eyes, with a slight build weighing approximately 103 pounds. Investigators have released images of the boy to help the public identify him, noting that the photos show the clothing he was wearing when he initially left his home.
The search effort is currently concentrated in the neighborhood surrounding the Regent and Bond Street area, with officers canvassing the vicinity. Authorities are coordinating resources to cover as much ground as possible in the wake of his disappearance.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone who may have relevant information regarding the case—even if they do not know the boy’s current whereabouts—to contact the Edgewater Police Department at (386) 424-2000, choosing Option No. 3. For any sightings of the child himself, residents are reminded to bypass the administrative line and use 911 to ensure the fastest possible response time.
“Your awareness could help us bring Brayden home safely,” the police department stated in their plea to the public. As the search continues into the night, investigators are hopeful that witness tips will provide the breakthrough needed to locate the 12-year-old and return him to his family.
Updates will be provided by local authorities as they become available. Residents in the area are encouraged to check their property, including sheds, garages, and backyards, if they have not already done so, to assist in the search.
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