Missing Endangered Man Is Non-Verbal: Skokie Police

SKOKIE, IL -- A man with intellectual disabilities was reported missing Saturday after walking away from a group home, Skokie police said. Joseph Jeter, 20, was last seen at around 11:30 a.m. walking west on Howard Street from Kilbourn Avenue near the Diane group home, where he lives. He is non-verbal and unable to care for himself, according to police.

Police searched for Jeter but were unable to locate him. Authorities said Jeter is a ward of the State of Illinois and has no known family or friends outside the group home.

He is described as black, 5'11" and 180 pounds with brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray T-shirt, brown shorts and black shoes, and may have been wearing headphones, police said. He also may be covering his ears with his hands.

"Joseph is not known to frequent any places outside the group home, has no money or means of travel," police said.

Skokie police are working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and other local agencies to locate Jeter.

Anyone who knows Jeter's whereabouts or has any information that could help investigators is asked to call the Skokie Police Department by dialing 911 or calling 847-982-5900. Possible sightings of Jeter should be reported to 911 immediately.

Photo: Joseph Jeter/Skokie Police Department