As the search continues for Jonathan Hoang, a 21-year-old man with autism last seen in Arlington, his family and community grow increasingly desperate. Hoang disappeared from his family home on the 18500 block of 114th Drive Northeast, around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Washington State Patrol has since designated him an Endangered Missing Person, as reported by KING 5.
Search and rescue efforts are intensifying, with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office leading teams across neighborhood forests and putting out urgent public appeals for assistance. The search has expanded to involve units from King and Island counties. "There’s nothing that shows he walked to the woods, it shows him go up the steps and out to the road but that’s his typical walking route," Jonathan's family told KOMO News. Despite this, no concrete evidence has been uncovered to explain his unusual disappearance after leaving home without his cellphone or a jacket.
As per KIRO 7, his father articulated the weight of their distress, "It’s been difficult – we haven’t been the same." He also expressed profound gratitude for the support that has poured in, "We’re basically broke into pieces, but the love we feel from the community and friends, is helping us to stay together." A candlelight vigil held Thursday near the family's home reflected this community solidarity.
Described as around 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighing 135 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair, Hoang was last seen wearing a green polo shirt, khaki pants, and black slip-on shoes while possibly carrying his non-cellular iPad. Despite being verbal and capable of holding a conversation, his family fears his limited memory for details may hinder him from effectively reaching out for help. Jonathan is known to "shut down when presented with a stressful situation or a problem he doesn't know how to address," which heightens anxiety regarding his current state, according to the KING 5 report.
The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office keenly asks anyone with information to immediately call 911. "Residents in the area are urged to check backyards, outbuildings, garages, vehicles, and review home surveillance footage. If you have any information, please call 911 immediately," stated the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office in a Facebook post quoted by KOMO News.
