Laney College student Jackie Wong, 21, has been reported missing after he was last seen today in the 1400 block of Pierce Avenue in San Leandro, according to police. The San Leandro Police Department describes Wong as an Asian male, about 5 feet 4 inches tall and 120 pounds. Authorities say Wong is autistic and is considered at risk.
Coverage on SFGATE notes that officers described Wong’s clothing as a yellow The North Face sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, and white shoes at the time he was last seen. According to KRON4, the missing-person alert was issued at approximately 12:48 AM, and anyone with information is asked to contact the San Leandro Police Department at (510) 577-2740.
Bay City News Service, reporting on SFGATE, adds that Wong attends Laney College in Oakland and that police have released a photo, along with his physical and clothing descriptions. Laney College lists its downtown Oakland campus address as 900 Fallon Street.
How to help
The San Leandro Police Department is asking anyone who sees Wong or has information about his whereabouts to call the non-emergency line at (510) 577-2740. In an emergency, officials advise calling 911. Police told KRON4 they issued the alert early Thursday and are seeking the public’s help to bring him home safely.
Why this matters
Medical experts and advocates caution that people on the autism spectrum can be especially vulnerable if they become separated from caregivers, since they may struggle to communicate, identify information, or follow instructions in stressful situations. A clinical review in Contemporary Pediatrics summarizes research showing that elopement and wandering among autistic individuals can lead to serious injury or death in a significant share of reported cases, which is why law enforcement treats alerts like this as urgent.
Anyone with information about Wong’s whereabouts is urged to contact San Leandro Police at (510) 577-2740. This story will be updated as officials or the Laney College community release additional details.
