NYC Search for Avonte Oquendo (missing 14yr autistic boy)

[CapnHook]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 11:23pm

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/search-missing-autistic-boy-hits-home-mta-worker-article-1.1484475

You cannot commute anywhere in NYC without seeing a photo of Avonte Oquendo. He's a 14-year old, non-speaking autistic boy who disappeared from his school. "MISSING" posters are plastered on every street and in every subway station. Live announcements are being made on subway cars. He's all over the news.

While I applaud these extended efforts to find him, I do wonder why he is getting all this attention. I hope I am not misunderstood, I am pleased by these actions, but I am still curious how it became possible that the MTA agreed to conduct live announcements asking for the public's help to find him? And how in the world did all those MISSING posters get plastered EVERYWHERE so fast? Literally, I was in SoHo, Washington Heights, Midtown West, Upper East Side, Brooklyn, and Astoria in the past 2 days, and in every neighborhood I saw flyers taped to subway platform columns and on streetposts. It truly is an amazing effort to find him.

I pray for him to be found safe and unharmed.

[Esther]

Posted: 10/17/13 at 9:59am

I think the major reason the MTA has been so active here is that Avonte is said to be fascinated by the trains, so it's possible he may be riding on them all day; that's why they've been searching the tunnels for him.

They are also using the LED signs on the LIE to post his missing persons info as well. A roadside florist between Mt Hebron & Cedar Grove cemeteries (LIE service rd, near College Point Blvd) posted a HUGE missing persons sign with his picture on it.

I really hope they find him safe and sound.

[Jane2]

Posted: 10/17/13 at 10:53am

It's true- I see so many policemen everywhere I go now. Riding in the subway cars, lining the streets, etc.

Very impressive, I hope they find him well.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 10/17/13 at 10:53am

This story has had my heart in knots. I pray for his safe return. I can't imagine the fear that he must feel.

I, for one, am glad to embrace any and all opportunities to help alert the public to missing children. I never disable my Amber Alert options on my smart phone, and pay attention to 'Missing' posters when I see them.

I agree with Esther about the connection between his love for trains and the MTA. I also think that this story has just touched all of us - as some stories do - and that New Yorkers are pulling together, doing whatever can be done to find a happy ending to this sad and frightening situation.

[IAMWHATIAM]

Posted: 10/17/13 at 2:17pm

The situation is truly terrifying and heart wrenching and I will continue volunteering to search for him and pray for him to be found alive and safe. Aside from the train connection, I'm sure liability is the reason this awful event is now getting as much attention as it is (and I, for one, don’t believe it’s gotten nearly enough attention or coverage, or that the attention and coverage started early enough). Someone (really a series of someones) let a 14 year old non-verbal child leave a NYC public school, unattended. There had to have been a total breakdown in every policy and procedure in effect to prevent such things. No surprise at all that City’s resources are being used as they are.