Search continues for missing autistic teen from Queens

LONG ISLAND CITY (WABC) -- Volunteers and friends continued to hand out flyers and work other neighborhoods, while police intensified a search of a vacant lot in Long Island City for Avonte Oquendo.

Deep in a fenced-in lot, overgrown with weeds and strewn with junk, NYPD officers in protective suits methodically searched for the 14-year old autistic boy missing for 12 long days.

"You could easily overlook someone lying flat in the ground, so I think that's why they have the helicopters circling around non-stop," Daniel Oquendo, his brother, said.

The police helicopter first worked the perimeter of the lot in Long Island City, and then moved over the lot.

Avonte's family, including his older brother Daniel, continue to closely follow the progress of the NYPD searches and those by volunteers.

Police officials offered little in the way of an update in their search for the Avonte, who walked away from the Center Boulevard School on October 4th. He is last seen on video cameras in the school and by a school safety agent on duty.

"We have spoken to the school safety agent, who was on duty at the front door. We have looked at the videotape. She directs the young man to go back upstairs. She is at the front door. He goes down the hallway, actually exits the building from the side door. We see nothing at this juncture that shows that the conduct of the schools safety agent was inappropriate or there was any misconduct involved," he said.

His family has said they were not contacted for hours after he went missing.

"Even if she did say something to Avonte, you would probably have to do more than just say something. Should probably have contacted the parents and police immediately not later," Daniel said.

Hundreds of officers have been searching for the teen. His parents say he loves trains. Police have checked all 468 train stations, every tunnel, abandoned station and bathroom. Divers searched the East River near the school.

"We've devoted 50 uniformed officers and a task force of detectives in Queens detectives headquarters. We've enlisted the aid of volunteers, Guardian Angels and Shorium Society have come forward and we appreciate their help," Kelly said. "I think no stone has been unturned, but we are certainly working with as many resources and as many agencies as we can to get word out. Obviously, we're very concerned at his juncture."

The reward is up to $70,000 for information leading to Avonte's safe return.

Volunteers have come from near and far to help in the search. Rick Stripp drove his new RV from Stanhope, New Jersey to Long Island City Tuesday so Avonte's family will no longer have to huddle outside in the cold as they effort their search for him.

Some family members are nervous someone has the teenager.

"If somebody does have him, release him, because he can't even tell on you. Write a note, put it in his pocket, write a note on his forehead, send him off," said Roc Conti, a cousin.

"Please bring him back, don't keep him if you have him," said grandmother Doris McCoy, who is convinced someone has her grandson and that he is still alive. "Be good to him. Don't abuse him. Don't hurt him."

Avonte was last seen wearing a gray striped shirt, black jeans and black sneakers. Authorities say that if you do see him, call authorities first and then follow the boy, because he may run if you approach him too quickly.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.

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