Missing Teen Found Safe At Cattus Island Park: Toms River Police

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A teenager who is on the autism spectrum was found safe after a nearly two-hour search of Cattus Island Park on Monday evening, Toms River police said.

The 17-year-old boy was found about 7:30 p.m. in the park, said Jillian Messina, media relations specialist for the Toms River Police Department.

Toms River police were called about 5:50 p.m. and they along with Toms River detectives and firefighters, and the Toms River and Ocean County Sheriff's K-9 units, conducted the search. A New Jersey State Police helicopter and the drone unit of the Ocean County Sheriff's department also took part in the search, she said.

The teen was found by Toms River Fire Company members in a wooded area, she said. Silverton EMS took the teen to Community Medical Center as a precautionary measure, she said.

"We would like to thank all of the first responders who came out to look for this young man, as well as the residents in the neighborhood who are on alert to make sure he came home safe tonight," Toms River Police Chief Mitchell Little said.

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