Mass. police search for missing teen last seen walking toward Connecticut
A search for a missing 16-year-old and two dogs was set to resume Wednesday after they were reported missing in Monson, Massachusetts, near the Connecticut state line, police said.
Westcomm Regional Dispatch in Western Massachusetts received a call on Tuesday regarding the missing teen and two family dogs, according to the Monson Police Department.
His name is Mateo, and he is nonverbal and has Down syndrome. He was described as 5’3″, bald, with braces, and wearing glasses that wrap around his head. He responds to his name, according to the Wilbraham, Massachusetts Police Department.
The dogs are a boxer and pitbull, Wilbraham police said.
Mateo was reported missing at 8:13 a.m. Tuesday. He was last seen leaving his residence in the Moulton Hill Road and Childs Road area of Monson, Massachusetts, according to Hampden, Massachusetts, District Attorney Anthony Gulluni.
Police said they later found security camera footage showing Mateo traveling south toward Connecticut with the two dogs, and a resident later reported seeing the teen in the front yard of a home approximately 75 yards from the Connecticut border.
Because they were searching a remote area with rugged terrain, officials brought in additional resources, including ground search-and-rescue teams, the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing, and multiple K-9 teams.
Connecticut State Police and the Stafford Fire Department also assisted in the search.
The search continued until 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to police.
After hours of searching, officials became fatigued and suspended search operations for the evening following a careful assessment of conditions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of search crews.
The Monson Police Department said it continued searching for Mateo overnight, and additional resources were expected to arrive Wednesday morning.
Monson officials are asking the public not to join in informal search parties to prevent among rescuers. Monson Public Schools is organizing volunteers for the search.
If you would like to volunteer, fill out this form.
“Residents can also help by reviewing doorbell camera footage and checking sheds, boats, and other spots on their property,” said Monson Fire Chief Nicholas Gasperini. “Rescuers will be conducting a more detailed search today and may ask for access to these areas.”
No other information was released.
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