After an extensive search began for a missing autistic teen who reportedly ran out of school in NYC, 3 weeks in, authorities seem to be losing faith in finding the teen, hit the jump for more!

Adriela Batista

14 year old, Avonte Oquendo was caught on school surveillance, running out of Center Boulevard High School In Long Island on the afternoon of October 4th, the search began soon after and police are losing faith that they will find the teen in good spirits:

“Obviously we have devoted a tremendous amount of resources to the search,” stated, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly to CNN affiliate WABC. “Unfortunately, we are not hopeful that we’re going to find this young man alive, but we are continuing our search.”

The search began 3 hours after the reported teen went missing, police led by bloodhounds picked up the scent of the boy at a marsh near the school, yet lost the trail there. Officials are stating that they have used every resource available for the search from “Sniffer dogs, video cameras, a search of the sewer system, missing-persons posters and fliers filling the streets, subway alerts and messages in city newspapers, to divers with sonar,” and still have no leading information to Oquendo. They have also searched all 468 New York City subway station and aviation, harbor and canine units have periodically helped, stated the NYPD. Subway stations have made announcements urging all commuters to keep an eye out for the missing boy.

Oquendo’s mother, Vanessa Fontaine stated that she believes her son is being held captive:

“My message to my son is that I love him, and we’re going to find him,” she said to CNN “You’ll come home to your family. And for anyone who has him, please be kind and to let him go.”

A reward of $77,500 has been offered for his safe return, Police state that “Avonte was last seen wearing a gray striped shirt, black jeans and black sneakers. He is 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds” Help find Avonte!!!