Randolph County Deputies Seek Public Help Finding Missing Nonverbal Child

Community Unites in Search for Missing Nonverbal Child

Authorities in Randolph County are urging the public to assist in the search for a missing nonverbal child. The effort has been ongoing since Sunday, with multiple agencies working together to locate the child, who is believed to be in a wooded area near where he was last seen.

On Tuesday morning, the search remained active, with law enforcement and emergency responders continuing their efforts. A quarter-acre pond in a wooded area has become a key focus of the investigation. Overnight on Monday, search teams worked tirelessly to cover the area, and additional resources have been brought in to aid in the search.

The child, identified as Liam King, is 7 years old and was reported missing around 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. He was in the area of Forest Hills Drive in Asheboro, though he does not live there. Instead, he was visiting a family member at the time of his disappearance. Authorities have confirmed that there is no indication of an abduction, but they believe he may be lost or confused.

Liam has cognitive impairments and is nonverbal, which means he may run if approached. Deputies said he was last seen wearing a light blue, black, and gray Nike sweatshirt, a gray Nike T-shirt, black sweatpants, blue Sonic socks, and tan sneakers. He is approximately 3 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 55 pounds, with shoulder-length dark hair and brown eyes.

Focus on Water Bodies

Sheriff Seabolt noted that Liam has a strong fascination with water, so search efforts are concentrating on bodies of water in the area. This includes the pond that has become a central point of the search. Despite these efforts, the child remains missing, and officials are asking the public for assistance.

Deputies have encouraged residents to check their properties for any signs of Liam. They also emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the search area, asking people not to enter unless they have been specifically directed by the command post. Even well-intentioned movements could disrupt critical tracking efforts.

Search Efforts Expand

The search has involved numerous agencies, including the Winston-Salem Fire Department, as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement. Helicopters, drones, and ground teams have all been deployed to cover a 2,500-meter radius around the location where Liam was last seen.

Sheriff Seabolt mentioned that search teams are playing music and TV shows that Liam enjoys in an attempt to lure him out of hiding. However, this strategy has not yet yielded results. Officials remain committed to finding Liam as quickly as possible, emphasizing that every second counts in such situations.

Public Appeal for Help

The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office released a statement expressing their determination to find Liam. They highlighted the use of every available resource, including partnerships with other law enforcement agencies and first responders. The statement also urged the community to remain patient and supportive during the search.

“Liam is a member of our community, and we will use every means possible to bring him home,” the statement read. “To ensure the integrity of the tracking efforts currently underway, we kindly ask that no one enter the area at this time unless you have been sent out from the command post.”

Authorities are reminding the public that even small pieces of information can be crucial in locating a missing child. If anyone sees or has information about Liam’s whereabouts, they are urged to contact 911 immediately.

Ongoing Updates

As the search continues, the community remains hopeful that Liam will be found soon. Local news outlets are providing updates on the situation, and residents are being encouraged to stay informed through official channels. The focus remains on finding Liam safely and bringing him back to his family.