Police Find Missing Teen After Morning Search in Meadowridge Landing

Helicopters and K-9 units canvassed Meadowridge Landing in Elkridge Friday morning for an autistic, nonverbal teen who was missing; police located the male on Merrymaker Way within hours of his reported absence.

The 15-year-old from New Jersey had been staying with family friends on Sedgwick Street in Elkridge when he left their home at 3:15 a.m., activating an alarm, said police.

Howard County Police dispatched a helicopter, K-9 and search-and-rescue teams to scour the area for the teen, who cannot speak; was not carrying identification or cell phone; has a tendency to run until he passes out; and was not familiar with the area.

At 5:56 a.m., police spokeswoman Elizabeth Schroen said that officials had located the missing person “in good condition” on Merrymaker Way.