CORDOVA — First responders have spent Wednesday morning searching for a missing teen with special needs.
Richmond County Emergency Services posted to Facebook that the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and local search and rescue teams are trying to find 16-year-old Jathan William Herendon, who has autism and other medical issues.
Herendon reportedly was last seen near West Ridge Court outside Cordova around 1 a.m.
He is reportedly wearing a multi-colored graffiti shirt (same as pictured above), jeans, and black and purple shoes.
According to the post, he is afraid of water and heights.
Deputies with the sheriff’s office began searching as soon as he was reported missing, according to Emergency Services Director Bob Smith, and teams began a ground search at 2:30 a.m.
The search effort is being made from several regional agencies and organizations.
Other agencies and organizations involved in the search are: Cordova Fire and Rescue; Richmond County Rescue; East Rockingham Fire Department; Hamlet Fire and Rescue; Hoffman Fire and Rescue; Wallace (South Carolina) Fire and Rescue; the N.C. Forest Service; the N.C. Highway Patrol (helicopter); Montgomery County Emergency Management; Uwharrie K-9; and Search and Rescue teams from Scotland and Anson counties.
Smith said the search has been concentrated just north of Cordova.
Residents living in the area with cameras at their homes are encouraged to check their video to see if they have any footage of him walking or riding a bicycle.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to call 911.
