Search continues for 12-year-old boy with autism last seen in Hammond over weekend

Kyrin Carter | Indiana State Police

Authorities began a fifth day of searching Thursday for Kyrin Carter, a 12-year-old boy with autism who was last seen in Hammond, Indiana over the weekend.

There were “no updates, unfortunately” in the search, Hammond Police Lt. Steven Kellogg said Wednesday night, adding that crews would resume efforts “first thing” Thursday as early as 4:30 a.m.

Carter was last seen about 12:35 p.m. May 15 at a Best Western on 179th Street near Interstate 80/94, according to police. A surveillance image showed him walking away from the hotel in bare feet.

Surveillance image of Kyrin Carter police say shows him leaving the Best Western.

Crews have focused their search on the nearby Little Calumet river in recent days, and the Lake County sheriff’s department is providing assistance, police said. Volunteers have also flocked to the area.

Carter’s aunt told NBC5 Wednesday that the family is still holding out hope that he will be found safely.

At a news conference outside the Best Western Monday, Carter’s mother Danielle Duckworth said her son is very energetic and loves chicken nuggets and Oreos.

“I just want him to make it back home in one piece. That’s all I want,” she said.

Anyone with information can contact the Hammond Police Department at 219-660-0000 or call 9-1-1.