In a recent turn of events, a sigh of relief has swept through Minneapolis as the Police Department announced on social media that Ashton Ferraro, the missing 16-year-old boy, has been found and is reported safe. Just a day prior, the community was gripped with concern after Ashton went missing near Hennepin Avenue East and Central Avenue NE. He was seen last at about 1 p.m. on December 26, 2024, triggering an immediate response from the authorities and the public alike.
Described as a vulnerable individual, Ashton's absence was particularly alarming given his diagnoses of ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and being on the autism spectrum. The police had issued a detailed description of the teen, noting his thin build, hazel eyes, brown hair, and the distinctive blue puffy Hilfiger jacket he was wearing, adorned with a white stripe, along with a black hoodie, black pants, and black shoes. The intensity of the situation was exacerbated, as reported by the Minneapolis Police, when Ashton, who does not reside in Minneapolis, jumped from the family vehicle and ran.
In efforts to locate him, the Minneapolis Police Department requested the public's help, disseminating contact numbers and an email address for reporting sightings or information. The community was urged to call 911 if they saw Ashton, and additional means of communication were provided for those who might know of his whereabouts – through the non-emergency dispatch line, email, and even a dedicated voicemail. The Minneapolis Police emphasized the option to share information anonymously via Crime Stoppers, indicating the various channels as essential tools in the collaborative search effort.
While details surrounding the circumstances of Ashton's reappearance remain scant, the brief social media update put forth by the Minneapolis Police Department offered a moment of collective solace. "Ashton has been located and is safe," the statement read.
