Search in Kinston for missing autistic teen to continue overnight, officials say

KINSTON, N.C. (WITN) - The Kinston Police Department, along with other agencies, is continuing the search for a missing autistic teen.

Police say they are searching for 16-year-old Jaylen Green. According to officials, he is 5’3″, 144 pounds, has black hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a peach colored shirt, gray shorts, and black crocs.

Jaylen walked away from the Neuseway Nature Park at 401 West Caswell Street, police say. According to the park’s Facebook page, they are closed to the public and ask people not to visit the park at this time.

As of 10:45 p.m., Lenoir County Emergency Services Director Norm Bryson told WITN that their rescue operations have moved to just the ground as they pulled all the boats off the water temporarily for safety concerns due to thunderstorms in the area.

Police have drones in the area, and the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office is providing help with a bloodhound.

Kinston Fire & Rescue, North Lenoir Fire & Rescue, and Southwood Volunteer Fire & Rescue are also helping in the search, and Bryson says they are calling in more help from other counties.

Bryson says they will have crews on scene throughout tonight, and they plan on bringing more help in the morning, if Green is not found.

If anyone sees him, police ask that you call Captain Walker at (252) 559-6118.