Missing Essex County Boy, 12, Found (UPDATE)

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — UPDATE: Junior Lala has been located, police announced Tuesday evening. Our original article follows below.

Authorities are seeking the public’s help with locating a 12-year-old juvenile reported missing in Essex County on Tuesday.

Junior Lala, 12, of Newark, went missing from the 100-block of Hawkins Street around 9:30 a.m., according to the Newark Department of Public Safety.

“While police are actively searching for Junior Lala, we seek the public’s assistance in quickly locating and returning him to his family,” authorities stated.

Newark police said Lala is 5 feet 7 inches tall and 120 pounds. He has black hair and dark brown eyes. [See below photo]

Anyone with information about Junior Lala’s whereabouts can call the department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867). Anonymous tips may also be made using the Police Division’s website at: www.newarkpd.org or through its new smartphone app available at iTunes and Google Play.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: Newark Department of Public Safety