Authorities are actively searching for an 18-year-old boy with autism who has been missing since October 16, following his departure from a specialised school in Reseda, California. Junior Saavedra was last seen near his school, the Diane S. Leichman Career Preparatory and Transition Center, at approximately 11:50 a.m. on that day.
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His mother, Maria Saavedra, expressed her deep concern for her son, stating, “All I want is for him to show up.” She highlighted the distressing situation in a plea for assistance, as Junior has significant developmental challenges that prevent him from caring for himself. Maria detailed how she was informed by school officials about her son’s absence only after 1 p.m., more than an hour after he had left the premises.
The timeline of events raised alarm bells, as Maria reported that staff had only notified her that Junior was unaccounted for after they realised he was missing. She was told he had left around 11:20 a.m., yet staff did not reach out to her until nearly two hours later. “I don’t even know what to think or what to do anymore to get help,” Maria added, highlighting her frustration with the situation.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) has classified Junior’s case as “endangered” and “at risk”. Authorities are treating this as a critical matter, given Junior’s limited ability to navigate his surroundings independently. According to reports, he has the cognitive capacity of a young child, which adds to the urgency of finding him as quickly as possible.
Junior is described as a Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds, he was last seen wearing a distinctive black Los Angeles Dodgers cap, a white t-shirt, grey trousers, and black and white Puma trainers. The description of his attire could be vital for anyone who may have spotted him since he went missing.
Maria has been vocal about her frustrations regarding the response from authorities when she asked for an alert to be issued. “I’ve asked the police to issue an alert, but they tell me there’s a specific protocol to follow,” she recounted. This aspect of the situation becomes particularly poignant when one considers the potential risks faced by individuals like Junior, who may not be able to communicate their needs or understand their surroundings.
As the search for Junior continues, the LAPD and CHP are urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to come forward. They can be reached at 1-877-527-3247 or by calling 911. Furthermore, anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or via their website.
Maria is pleading not just for information but for understanding and support from the community. Her heartfelt request is directed at anyone who may have seen her son: “Please help me. If you’ve seen him, call me, let me know, because I’m so worried about him.” Her determination to locate Junior is evident, and her hopeful message resonates as the community rallies together in the hope of bringing him back home safely.
The case has garnered attention, highlighting the challenges faced by families of individuals with autism, especially when they go missing. As the days pass, the search efforts intensify in hopes of a safe return for Junior, proving that no effort is too small when it comes to ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals.