Urgent Amber Alert issued for autistic boy, 5, who went missing in Florda
An urgent Amber Alert has been issued for a five-year-old autistic boy who went missing in Florida on Sunday.
Jace Saunders was last seen in the 1000 block of Wells Avenue in Tavares on 15 December, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The young boy is semi-verbal and authorities have launched an immediate search operation amid concerns for his safety.
Jace is approximately 3 feet tall, weighs 55 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes.
He was wearing a long-sleeved black shirt with a multicoloured graphic print and dark-coloured pyjama pants when he disappeared.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has released a photograph showing Jace in the clothes he was wearing at the time he went missing.
Authorities believe Jace may be in the company of 50-year-old Kelly Day-Dasilva, who is thought to be his grandmother, though this relationship has not been confirmed.
The pair may be travelling in a black Honda Accord, with police urging the public to be vigilant for the vehicle.
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Law enforcement officials have warned members of the public not to approach the vehicle or its occupants if spotted.
According to police, Jace is supposed to be in the custody of the State of Florida.
Both of Jace’s parents have been arrested on charges of interference in child custody.
Members of the public who spot Jace or Day-Dasilva are urged to contact law enforcement immediately.
Anyone with information should ring 911 or contact the Tavares Police Department directly.
Local residents have taken to social media to express their concern, sharing messages of support on the police department’s Facebook announcement of the alert.