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Police release updated photo of missing autistic boy – Metro US

Police release updated photo of missing autistic boy

Avonte Oquendo, missing from Long Island City since midday Friday, Oct. 4. Credit: NYPD Avonte Oquendo, missing from Long Island City since midday Friday, Oct. 4.
Credit: NYPD

Police released an updated photo of a non-verbal autistic boy who went missing in Queens five days ago.

Avonte Oquendo, 14, was last seen at lunchtime at his school in Long Island City on Oct. 4, police said.

Staff at Center Boulevard School on 51st Avenue noticed Oquendo was missing when they were gathering the kids after lunch to escort them back to their classes.

Police said Oquendo was later seen on school surveillance video footage leaving the cafeteria about 12:38 p.m.

Police said Oquendo has gone missing before, but not for such a long period of time.

There is particular concern for Oquendo because he is unable to speak.

Police describe the boy as 5-foot-3 and 125 pounds. When he went missing, he was wearing a grey-striped shirt, black jeans and black sneakers.

Authorities thought they had found Oquendo in Harlem on Tuesday evening, but it turned out not to be him.

Follow Danielle Tcholakian on Twitter @danielleiat