Police in New York are searching for a nonverbal and autistic 11-year-old who reportedly has not been seen in over a month.
On Saturday, authorities identified the missing child as Jacob Pritchett. Police returned to his Brownsville residence on Wednesday following a welfare check request from the Administration for Children’s Services.
According to PIX 11, upon their arrival, officers discovered the apartment, located near East New York and Howard Avenues, to be “disorderly” and subsequently took the child’s mother for a psychological assessment. She has not been charged with any criminal offenses at this time.
According to the New York Daily News, ACS become involved after someone contacted the hotline, over concerns for Jacob’s safety, on September 25.
The mother initially answered the door but refused entry to the state employees. Once police arrived, she allowed them entry but insisted she never had a son.
When police and ACS visited the home again on Wednesday, the mother allegedly became agitated and once more denied having a child, although investigators confirmed otherwise.
The timing of Jacob’s last appearance is uncertain, but neighbors reportedly informed the police that they hadn’t seen him for approximately six weeks. One neighbor mentioned that Jacob was not seen playing outside and did not attend school.
Police said they are using a sketch of the child since they have been unable to obtain any photos of him.
The New York Post indicates that investigators subsequently used a K9 unit during their search of the home. The dog reportedly detected traces of human blood near the refrigerator, according to sources.
Jacob is described as having a medium complexion, with brown eyes and black hair.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or visit crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, Tipsters can also NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or send a text to 274637 (CRIMES) and enter TIP577. Spanish speakers should call 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
[Feature Photo: NYPD Crime Stoppers]
