Police Search for Missing East Hollywood Boy With Autism

By City News Service

Authorities Monday asked the public's help in locating an autistic 17-year-old boy who has not been seen since running away during a shopping trip in the Westlake district with his family.

Romario Snow De La Torre, who attends a special education program at Fairfax High School, lives on Melrose Avenue between Normandie and Western avenues in East Hollywood, according to the Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center. He needs prescription allergy medicine twice a day.

He was shopping with his family about 4 p.m. Sunday near Sixth and Alvarado streets in the Westlake district, wearing a white, short-sleeve T-shirt with a small "LACC" logo with red stripes on the sleeves, blue jeans and black shoes.

Romario is probably very frightened but might try to make his way back to familiar territory, according to a center official.

Romario tends to keep to himself. His hair is short and he has significant bald patches as he picks at and pulls out his hair, eyebrows and eyelashes.

Spanish is his first language, although he understands and speaks English at home. He is minimally verbal, speaks in short, abrupt sentences with repetitive responses. He continually makes humming and clucking sounds.

He is fearful of others, possibly more so around police because he may think he has done something wrong. He knows the value of money and how to count his change. He also knows his home address, but not his phone number.

He is 5-feet-6 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds. He is medium to light complected.

Anyone who spots him should call the watch commander at the Olympic Division at 213-382-9102 or the Watch Commander at the Rampart Division, 213-484-3400.