Federal Way police report sighting of missing autistic teen | UPDATE

A Federal Way teen with autism who has been missing for one week was apparently seen over the weekend.

Nathan Duncan, 16, was last seen by his teacher after school on Monday, April 23, near City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S. He was riding a skateboard.

Federal Way police stepped up their search last week, teaming up with investigators from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

"There have been credible 'sightings' of him by friends that were reported to police, both in the Seattle and Auburn area over the weekend," police spokeswoman Cathy Schrock wrote in a May 1 email to The Mirror after receiving an update from the teen's mother. "We are relieved by the news that he has been sighted, and our hope is to ultimately re-unite him with his family."

The case will remain an active missing person case until police are able to contact Nathan.

Police responded to a call at 8 a.m. April 24 after the teen's mother, Jennifer Duncan, reported that her son did not come home from school the day before. Other family members were contacted, but had not seen Nathan.

Police contacted personnel from Nathan's school, who indicated that while at school on Monday, Nathan had been contacted about a possible theft of a cellphone. His parents were notified about the incident. School personnel told police they overheard Nathan say he would not go home after school because of potential consequences, according to police.

Nathan has run away several times before, but usually returns the same night, according to police. He is not on any medication. He was last seen wearing Levi jeans and a white shirt. He is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. He has green eyes and brown hair.

Anyone with information on Nathan's whereabouts are asked to contact Detective Morikawa at (253) 835-6725 or Madeline.Morikawa@cityoffederalway.com.

 

Contact Federal Way Mirror Editor Andy Hobbs at editor@fedwaymirror.com or 1-253-925-5565 (ext 5050).

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