Jason Gonzalez: Missing child alert issued for 13-year-old Alabama boy as search teams continue hunt
JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA: A search is ongoing for Jason Gonzalez, a 13-year-old boy from Jefferson County, who was reported missing since Tuesday night, February 13.
On Thursday morning, February 15, the trained search team continued their hunt in the vicinity near Bluff Creek Road and have been on the lookout for any signs of the missing teenager, according to AL.
Jason Gonzalez's family denies suspicions of a runaway situation
Despite initial suspicions of a runaway situation, Gonzalez's family told investigators of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office that it is highly unusual for the boy to disappear without a trace.
On Thursday, February 15, an Emergency Missing Child Alert was issued by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency as the search for the teenager intensified in the wooded area.
Jefferson County officers have asked the public to refrain from entering the woods
Gonzalez was reportedly last seen at around 10 pm in Quinton on Tuesday, February 13, and officers believe he may be traveling with a backpack.
With concerns over safety hazards in the search area, Lt Joni Money urged the public to refrain from venturing into the wooded area.
"At this time, it would be best to not have a lot of foot traffic in the area so the K-9 units may be able to pick up Jason’s track if he is in the area," Money said of the possibility of the traffic hindering the dogs from picking up his tracks if he is in the vicinity.
"We are asking that everyone refrain from going into this area as we have multiple trained search teams combing the area. Additional people in the area will hamper the search efforts," read the statement issued by authorities on social media.
Authorities release information on Jason Gonzalez's identification
As per the description provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office along with the emergency missing child alert issued, the missing teenager Gonzalez has red hair and blue eyes.
He weighs 135 pounds and is 5 feet, 5 inches tall. The young boy was last seen wearing a black and white hoodie, black pants, and black Adidas sneakers, according to law enforcement authorities.
In a plea for community assistance, the sheriff's office urges anyone with information regarding Gonzalez's whereabouts to contact their officials at 205-325-1450 or contact 911 immediately.
As the search for Gonzalez is underway, residents of Jefferson County remain hopeful for the teenager's swift and safe return back home.
