Human Interest Tenn. Teen with Autism Has Been Missing for 5 Days With No Leads, Authorities Say “There have been no investigative leads to take us anywhere,” a deputy said of 15-year-old Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers By Angel Saunders Angel Saunders Angel Saunders has been a writer at PEOPLE since 2023. She’s previously worked at iHeartMedia, IndieWire, and REVOLT. People Editorial Guidelines Published on March 1, 2024 01:20AM EST Trending Videos Close this video player 5yo Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers. Photo: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation/ X A Tennessee community continues to search for a missing autistic teen who was last seen on Monday. On Thursday, Sumner County Sheriff Chief Deputy Eric Craddock spoke at a press conference to update residents on the status of the investigation. Teams have been looking for Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers for almost five days now. The 15-year-old was last seen near Stafford Court in Hendersonville, Tennessee, wearing a black sweatshirt, black sweatpants and glasses, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) tweeted on Monday. Missing Teen with Autism Found at New Mexico Walmart, About 200 Miles from Arizona Home He is described as 5’5 and 120 pounds with dirty blond hair. The post also contained a photo of the boy smiling. stock image of a police siren. Getty “There have been no investigative leads to take us anywhere. We are still operating under the assumption that Sebastian walked off from his home,” Craddock said during Thursday’s televised news conference. An Amber Alert was issued for Rogers on Tuesday after he disappeared from his residence in Hendersonville on Monday. Craddock added that the goal is “to make sure he is brought home safely.” Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Jessica Moore, executive director of Autism Tennessee, spoke to NewsChannel 5 about how the abrupt change could have a negative impact on how Rogers is feeling. Missing Boy with Autism Found Using Bracelet with GPS Signal: ‘I Couldn’t Be More Thankful’ “Someone who is used to routine, who has a daily schedule, different aspects of their lives that are repetitive every day, it can be stressful not to have those pieces in place,” she told the outlet. She added that the 15-year-old could be seeking confined places as a source of comfort. “Someone who enjoys a lot of pressure, deep pressure, and hiding — those more confined spaces are calming.” 15yo Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers. Sumner County Sheriff’s Office/ Facebook Residents had been asked to search for the missing teen twice a day, if possible. Craddock suggested once in the morning and again at night, focusing on sheds, crawl spaces and tarps. Though the community remains hopeful, vigils have already been held. Emergency Management Agency Director Ken Weidner added that since Rogers’ disappearance, search dogs have not been able to pick up a scent, and said search teams have covered approximately 2,000 miles. Missing 5-Year-Old Girl with Autism Found Safe in Florida Woods After Wandering Away from Home Craddock said the teen’s family has been fully cooperative with law enforcement. Rogers’ relatives declined to speak to the press, but did share a statement through the TBI on Wednesday evening. “Understandably, there is interest in hearing from friends and family to help provide more of a personal context about Sebastian. However, we have been requested by the family to let local media know that they are not in a position to speak to or be available to the media at this time,” the statement said. Sumner County Mayor John Isbell asked for prayers. “Pray for the family and also pray for first responders,” he said during a vigil held at Gallatin’s Northfield Church. “And as the temperatures drop and as the days go on, this is the time we have to lean on our faith, and we have to stand steadfast in God’s word, and believe He has Sebastian in his hands right now, that He is protecting him.”
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