The anxiety that gripped a Portland community over Christmas Eve was resolved late yesterday evening as the Portland Police Bureau confirmed a missing teen boy had been safely located. Matthew Godzik, a 13-year-old diagnosed with autism, was reported to have wandered away from his home in southeast Portland around 9:30 a.m. His disappearance triggered an immediate search and a plea for public assistance, as his condition rendered him particularly vulnerable.
According to KATU News, Godzik was found near SE 31st Ave. and SE Tibbetts St., a short distance from where he was last seen. Initial reports provided by KOIN indicated that police were especially concerned the boy would not be able to successfully make his way back home. However, the community breathed a collective sigh of relief as the PPB announced late in the day that the teen had been located and was back safely with his family.
The exact circumstances of his disappearance and how he came to be found were not detailed by authorities. After issuing a call for public assistance earlier in the day, the PPB expressed their gratitude through an announcement stating they were "grateful for the public’s assistance" in finding Godzik, as reported by KOIN.
