Authorities are turning to the public to help find a runaway teen last seen at his Hayward home earlier this week. Elijah Buttler, 17, went missing on Monday night, according to the Alameda County Sheriff's Office. The teen is described as having short dreadlocks and brown eyes, standing 6'4" tall and weighing about 143 pounds. The Sheriff's Office shared a post with details on his disappearance, including that Elijah was last seen wearing a grey Nike hoody and black jacket.
The circumstances around the teen's departure are unclear. Elijah hasn't been seen since around 7:08 p.m. at his Standish Avenue residence. It is unknown to figure out whether Elijah had access to money or a destination in mind when he left. The missing juvenile had a cell phone on him and was acquainted with the public transportation system in the area, which could serve to widen the scope of his travels.
To safely return Elijah to his family, the Alameda County Sheriff's Office has asked for the community's assistance. They express concern for his safety and beseech anyone with information that could aid in locating him to come forward. The sheriff's office disseminated their plea via social media, making it clear that they earnestly seek the help of anyone who may know something.
Little is known about the teen's activities or communications before his disappearance. "We are all concerned about Elijah's safety and ask for your help in bringing him home," the Alameda County Sheriff's Office stated on social media. The community is urged to quickly contact the Sheriff's Office at (510) 667-7721 or contact local law enforcement if they have any information that can aid in finding Elijah. The urgency is palpable as every hour passes without a sign of the missing youth.
The search for Elijah is ongoing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Those looking to help can also find more details through the Sheriff's Office's X post regarding the case.
RUNAWAY MISSING JUVENILE#PleaseShare pic.twitter.com/VQvM1NnsNO
— Alameda County Sheriff (@ACSOSheriffs) March 20, 2024
