Disappearance of Florida teenager triggers alert for missing children

Peyton Pickard, who is autistic and non-speaking, disappeared in Sumter County on Monday, state authorities said. A large-scale search is underway.

May 28, 2024, 12:38 EDT | Updated May 28, 2024, 12:44 EDT

BUSHNELL, FL — Authorities are searching for a missing 16-year-old boy who reportedly disappeared Monday in Bushnell in Sumter County, north of the Tampa area.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, a missing person report has been issued for Peyton Pickard, an autistic teenager who is considered non-verbal.

Pickard disappeared from the 2900 block of County Road 575 and was last seen wearing black underwear, authorities said. The FDLE said Pickard may have burn scars on his right leg.

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The teenager has brown hair, blue eyes, is 1.70 m tall and weighs 54 kg.

Citrus County Sheriff’s Office officials are assisting with the search in the Floral City area, WFLA said.

Anyone with information on Pickard’s whereabouts is asked to call the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at (352) 793-2621 or 911. Tipsters can also call the FDLE Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse at 1 (888) 356-4774.