In the continuing hunt for Joshua Altheef Jr., a 7-year-old autistic boy who disappeared Wednesday night, the West Chester Township community came together this morning. After being dropped off by his bus driver and spending time with his adult sister, Joshua, who is nonverbal, was last seen outside his Wyndtree Drive house at approximately 5:30 p.m. Given the child’s unique love of parks and water, as well as his propensity to flee if confronted, FOX19 said, the hunt is obviously urgent.
Joshua is approximately 4 feet tall, weighs between 44 and 60 pounds, and was last seen wearing a jacket, tan jeans, black shoes, and a tan shirt, according to West Chester Police Department authorities. According to Cincinnati.com, residents in the region have been urged to exercise caution and inspect their homes, particularly those located within a five-mile radius of OH-747 and Smith Road, the larger area that authorities are currently searching. Assistant Fire Chief Randell Hanifen highlighted the importance of the community, “We’re relying on our citizens and partners to be able to take the picture that we provided and be able to call into our dispatch center if they have information they think is relative to that,” he toldWCPO.
Drone units, the Butler County Technical Rescue Team, and the West Chester Police have coordinated official rescue operations with volunteer efforts. Joshua’s whereabouts may be revealed by technology such as doorbell cameras, and authorities are asking locals to review their recordings and report any possible sightings. West Chester Police Captain Seth Hagaman’s appeal for anyone who could assist with the search to gather at Muhlhauser Barn in Beckett Park at 8 a.m. further highlighted the seriousness of the issue, as FOX19 reported.
The hunt began on Wednesday night, took a small break in the early hours of Thursday, and then resumed with a fresh sense of purpose. As officials and volunteers continue their work, the community’s collective heart is truly heavy with anxiety for Joshua. The West Chester Police ask that anybody with information that could lead to Joshua’s location phone their dedicated number at 513-777-2231. Officials and family members alike are holding out hope for the young boy’s safe return as detailed descriptions of him have been making the rounds.
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