2:20 a.m. Wednesday update
Columbus police report Ryder Newman has been found unharmed and thank the public for their help and support during the search.
ORIGINAL STORY
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus police are being assisted by other law enforcement agencies, city and county firefighters, the water rescue team and others in a large scale search effort for a missing 12 year old boy who has special needs.
Ryder Newman, 12, was last seen going west across Hinman Street towards a wooded area around 4 p.m. Tuesday, Columbus police said.
An updated description indicates he was last seen wearing a royal blue T-shirt and navy blue style jogging pants and black/gray camo shoes.
He has a scar on his neck and has a feeding tube in his stomach.
The boy, who is autistic, likes to explore.
The child is missing from the East Columbus area, but was last seen on 25th Street in the area of NexusPark.
Police are going door-to-door in efforts to find the child and said every resource is being used to locate him, including drones.
The search includes detectives from CPD.
Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department, said the department is receiving calls about people going out to search. While saying there are a large number of law enforcement searching for the boy at this time, he also said if anyone wishes to get in their car to drive through the area looking for the boy, the police are not dissuading them from doing so.
However, they caution against searching on private property without permission.
Also, the child was not on a bicycle prior to being reported missing.
Searchers are concentrating their efforts in an area south of 17th Street in Columbus.
If anyone finds Ryder or has information, they are asked to call police dispatch at 812-379-1689.
This story will be updated.
ORIGINAL STORY
COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Police Department is asking for any information regarding a missing child.
Ryder Newman is a 12 year old white male last seen wearing a blue shirt, blue pants, and black and grey camo shoes. Ryder is autistic and was last seen in the area of State Street and Jones Street. If you know anything about his whereabouts, please call 911.
