A seven-year-old boy with autism who was reported missing in Queens was found and reunited with his mother in Manhattan after a period of separation. The child, identified as Ruwaid, left unnoticed while his mother, Farjana Akond, was using the restroom during breakfast at Dera Restaurant in Jackson Heights. "That my son he met an accident or something like all the horrible stuff was coming in my mind," Akond told ABC7NY, describing her concerns at the time.
Nearly three hours passed before a passerby in Manhattan noticed the young boy walking alone and alerted authorities. Christina Casey, who contacted police, told ABC7NY she found Ruwaid near 61st Street and Lexington Avenue and was surprised that he had traveled from Queens without being stopped. Ruwaid, who is described as having a strong interest in maps and a photographic memory, is believed to have made his way to Manhattan, potentially by subway.
Meanwhile, the New York Police Department had deployed extensive resources in search of the missing child, including helicopters and posting photos on social media. An interview with New York Daily News shared details of the incident. The Good Samaritan told the publication, "On 58th, he went across the crosswalk when it was still red, and there were cars coming," she stated. "And then when we hit 57th, the cars were going both ways and he ran into the middle of the street." Her prompt actions helped prevent a potentially serious situation.
Ruwaid was cared for by NYPD officers until he was reunited with his mother. Officer Anthony Lewis noted that they gave him pizza and water, emphasizing their intention to “make him feel like we were there for him and he's not i harm's way.” Akond, who was visiting from Texas, expressed gratitude for the safe reunion. She referred to Christina Casey as “an angel to me now,” recognizing the role she played in ensuring her son's safety, according to ABC7NY.
