Missing Autistic Boy
updated: Jan 14, 2013, 9:44 AM

Source: Santa Barbara Police Department

UPDATE: Santa Barbara Police report that the missing autistic boy named Flavio Hernandez, age 13, has been found. He was located at the downtown Public Library soon after they opened at 9:00 a.m. Flavio told a Library employee that he needed to get to La Cumbre Middle School. The Library employee called La Cumbre Middle School principal, who knew Flavio was missing. The principal drove to the Library and confirmed Flavio’s identity. Flavio was in good health with no ill effects from being out in the cold for several hours. Flavio was reunited with his family: Case closed.

Santa Barbara Police are currently looking for a missing autistic boy named Flavio Hernandez, age 13. He is missing from his residence in the 600 block of W. Carrillo Street. He was last seen early this morning at 1:00 a.m. At 4:00 a.m., a family member noticed him missing. Foul play is not suspected; he is believed to have wandered away. Family members believe he is wearing a blue Mickey Mouse hoodie sweatshirt, dark pants, and sandals. He has wandered away before, but not during the night or during such cold weather. He may have gone downtown or to one of the local beaches.

Flavio Hernandez is described as: 5-8 height, 170 lbs., with brown hair and eyes. He normally takes the bus each day to La Cumbre Middle School. He has no money or cell phone. Anyone with information is asked to contact SBPD Dispatch: 897-2410, or Lt. McCaffrey at 897-2378.

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Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 363232	2013-01-14 09:26 AM
hope they find him quickly, and that he isn't too cold or scared :(
COMMENT 363249	2013-01-14 09:54 AM
Yay! Glad they found him & he's ok. Thanks to the library employee & the principal!
COMMENT 363254	2013-01-14 10:09 AM
Kudos to the library employee who took the extra step to follow up and help this child. Acts of kindness!
ROGER DODGER	2013-01-14 10:11 AM
He left at 4 in the morning..Doesn't sound scared to me..
COMMENT 363259	2013-01-14 10:13 AM
awesome, happy ending!
COMMENT 363269	2013-01-14 10:24 AM
Librarians are AWESOME.
SCEPTIC	2013-01-14 11:25 AM
The principal of La Cumbre Middle School sure deserves a round of applause for driving to the library to pick him up. Great happy ending!
ROGER DODGER	2013-01-14 12:25 PM
Very Nice...
THE BARRON	2013-01-14 03:19 PM
Great story with a happy ending. +1 on the kudos to the librarian and the principal. Bravo
COMMENT 363552	2013-01-15 06:35 AM
Glad to see that Flavio is doing well and is safe! I was a 1 to 1 teachers aid for him when he was in grade K, and now he's in middle school, looking healthy and happy. Wishing you all the best, Flavio!
SBALAX	2013-01-15 08:19 AM
Great work by the Librarian and Jo Ann Caines, the Principal at La Cumbre Jr. High. (It hasn't been "Middle School" for at least 10 years. I taught there for 35 years and began and ended my career at a Junior High School...)

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