12-year-old boy who went missing from Mississauga found safe

UPDATE: 12 year-old Ethan found safe by a member of the public and headed home

A 12-year-old boy who went missing on Thursday night from his family’s Mississauga home could be headed to Toronto, say police who are growing more concerned for the child’s well-being.

Peel Regional Police set up a command post on Friday morning outside the residence of the missing boy, who goes by Ethan, at Dundas Street West and Parkerhill Road, just east of Mavis Road.

The police presence in the area has been increased in an effort to seek help from members of the public who may have spotted the boy or have other information.

Speaking to reporters on Friday morning outside Ethan’s home, Const. Richard Chin said the missing boy is autistic and that he is known to try to go to Toronto.

In addition, “he is familiar with the transit system,” said Chin.

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Police repeated their pleas for the public’s help late Friday afternoon, saying via social media: “We are asking residents to remain vigilant as we continue our search efforts for 12-year-old Ethan.”

More photos of the missing boy, Ethan. (Photos: Peel Regional Police)

Ethan was last seen at his family’s Mississauga residence at about 8:20 p.m. on Thursday night, police said in a press release this morning.

He’s described as just under five-foot tall, 106 pounds with a medium build, brown skin and a dark complexion. In addition, he has curly black hair that goes just below his shoulders.

Ethan was last seen wearing a blue jacket with red trim inside the hood, a blue T-shirt, dark-coloured pants with red markings on the outside and black-and-red high top Nike running shoes.

Police and the boy’s family are concerned for Ethan’s well-being.

Anyone who spots the missing boy is urged to call 911 or investigators at the 11 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at 905-453–2121, ext. 1133.

Anonymous information may also be submitted to Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 222-8477 or online at http://peelcrimestoppers.ca/

Under a new policy adopted earlier this year regarding missing persons and what information will be released via social media or to the media, Peel police now only release the given names of missing people when the news release is accompanied by a photo.

Surnames will only be provided if “there is an investigative value to do so,” police say.

Toronto Police and other police forces adopted a similar policy this year.

Map shows area of the missing 12-year-old boy’s Mississauga home.