Richmond County and area teams search for missing autistic boy near Cordova

CORDOVA — First responders spent Wednesday morning searching for a missing teenager with special needs.

Richmond County Emergency Services posted on Facebook that the Richmond County Sheriff's Office and local search and rescue teams are trying to find Jathan William Herendon, 16, who has autism and other issues medical.

Herendon was reportedly last seen near West Ridge Court outside Cordova around 1 a.m.

He would wear a multi-colored graffiti shirt (same as pictured above), jeans, and black and purple shoes.

According to the message, he is afraid of water and heights.

Sheriff's Office deputies began searching as soon as he was reported missing, according to Emergency Services Director Bob Smith, and crews began the ground search at 2:30 a.m.

The research effort is carried out with several regional agencies and organizations.

Other agencies and organizations involved in the search are: Cordova Fire and Rescue; Richmond County Rescue; East Rockingham Fire Department; Fire and rescue of the hamlet; Hoffman Fire and Rescue; Wallace (South Carolina) Fire and Rescue; the North Carolina Forest Service; the NC Highway Patrol (helicopter); Montgomery County Emergency Management; Uwharrie K-9; and search and rescue teams from Scotland and Anson counties.

Smith said the search was focused just north of Cordova.

Residents living in the neighborhood with cameras in their homes are encouraged to check their video to see if they have footage of him walking or biking.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to call 911.