An 18-year-old with autism who went missing from the Orange Park area this week has been found, according to the Clay County Sheriff's Office. Jacob Ruiz had been last seen around 12:40 p.m. Wednesday near 1745 Wells Road before deputies launched a search and asked the public for help tracking him down.
As reported by Action News Jax, the sheriff's office confirmed that the 18-year-old, who has a cognitive impairment, had been found. The outlet's report did not include further details about where or when he was located, or his condition afterward.
Before he was found, deputies described Ruiz as standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black shirt and red shorts featuring a black design, according to the same report.
Deputies Noted Communication Challenges
Deputies said Jacob has been diagnosed with autism and may not communicate, a detail they shared while asking the community to help locate him. The Clay County Sheriff's Office also noted the teen was reportedly last seen north of Wells Road in Clay County, according to First Coast News.
After issuing a BOLO for Ruiz, the sheriff's office advised anyone who spotted him not to transport or detain him, but instead to stay nearby until deputies could arrive, per First Coast News. The agency said it was accepting tips about his whereabouts either through direct contact or the SaferWatch app, the outlet reported.
