Barefoot teen reported missing found safe following search

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

A child with high-functioning autism went missing this afternoon and was found safe several hours later, after walking in eastern Vigo County --- reportedly with no shoes on his feet.

The 13-year-old boy,  Austin Jacob "A.J." Lawhorn. , reportedly was purposely avoiding police during his lengthy walk after wandering from his home on East Gospel Grove.

Multiple agencies assisted the Vigo County Sheriff's Office in the search around a wooded area, parks and a cornfield off Chamberlain Road. They used drones and K-9s to aid the large search. Ultimately, he was located safe near New Life Church at a walking trail.

​Sheriff Greg Ewing noted that officers were aware of his whereabouts at times during the search. However, they were alerted he was likely walking back home, and they were allowing for that to occur without presenting a large police presence to the child.

"Investigators interviewed the child and were able to confirm the child had intentionally eluded search efforts throughout the day," according to a department press release.

Several residents in the area reported spotting the teen walking barefoot during the search, wearing camouflage shorts.

Finally, around 8:20 p.m., the boy was  located at the Trail Head at US 40 and Chamberlain Street.
Once he was located, he was checked for possible issues by medics at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing.

​Vigo County EMA, Vigo County K-9 Search & Rescue, Vigo County EM-COM, the Vigo County UAV team and Otter Creek Fire Department assisted at the scene.

Drones used in search of field/ Lucy Perry photo