Odenton Residents Asked to Search for Missing Boy

Police are asking Odenton area residents to search outbuildings and wooded areas for a 9-year-old Odenton boy who has run away from home for the second time in a week.

Benjamin Kelly Molina, 4’6”, slim build, was reported missing from the area of Odenton Road and Monterey Avenue. Anne Arundel County Police issued an alert about 6 p.m. Friday and searched through the night for him.

“We believe Benjamin is intentionally hiding from authorities,” police said on Facebook Saturday. “He is known to hide in wooded areas. We are asking residents in the Odenton area to check their yards, sheds, under decks, and any wooded areas around their homes. Benjamin may have had a backpack with a change of clothes, so he may have a different appearance than when last seen.”

Benjamin and his older brother, Jacob, 14, ran away last weekend, and were returned home a day later. The pair also ran away on July 12.

“We recognize this is the third occurrence, but we are obligated to solicit the public’s help when a 9-year-old leaves-voluntary or not,” police said on Facebook.

The department’s Facebook page has been swamped with hundreds of comments about the family, with the alert shared more than a thousand times. Police recognize the community concern and said the family has been receiving and will continue to receive services from the appropriate agencies.

Anyone who sees Benjamin is asked to call 911 or 410-222-6155.

»SEE ALSO: Two Missing Odenton Boys Found Safe (Update)

»Photo of Benjamin Molina, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police