The family of an autistic teenager missing since last week is stepping up efforts to track him down.
Avonte Oquendo disappeared last Friday after walking out of the Riverview School on Center Boulevard in Long Island City.
His mother says the 14-year-old is unable take care of himself, has communication difficulties, and can only read his own name.
Family members have been camping out near the school, asking the public for help in tracking the teen down and hoping he can find his way back.
“It’s very tough, it’s tough. We have to stay positive, keep trying to cover all the leads. I gotta keep it together, cause I have all boys, and they look to me for strength, so I have to try to hold it down,” said Daniel Oquendo, Avonte’s father.
Information booths have been set up across the city.
The NYPD is also using helicopters and a harbor unit to aid in the search.
Announcements were being made on the city’s subway system Friday with the teen’s description.
Sources tell NY1 that there is a heavy emphasis on searching the transit system because when Avonte disappeared in the past, he was found in the subway.
“As adults, we failed him, and he’s out there alone, and everyone, everyone in New York City should be a part of coming out and helping to find him,” said volunteer Donnell Richards.
Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott says that despite what happened, city schools are safe.
“We’ll do an internal analysis as far as what we need to tighten up, but the reality is, we need to focus on finding this child,” Walcott said.
Avonte is described as 5’3″ tall and around 125 pounds.
He was last seen wearing a gray striped shirt, black jeans and black sneakers.
A reward of at least $ 70,000 is now being offered for information leading to the teen.
The family is holding a vigil for him across from the school this evening.
Anyone with information on the case should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
http://newyork.greatlocalnews.info/?p=15515
via Great Local News: New York http://newyork.greatlocalnews.info
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