Collier deputies find missing autistic 11-year-old boy safe

Collier County Sheriff’s Office says deputies have found a missing boy with autism safe.

Peterson Francois, 11, had been last seen at 9:40 a.m., Wednesday, when he was walking in the area of Whistler’s Cove Boulevard and U.S. 41 East.

Police noted that this child was autistic and nonverbal.

The sheriff’s office sent a helicopter and had boots on the ground actively searching for the boy.

By 1:45 p.m., the sheriff shared via social media that the child was found safe. Deputies found Francois east of Eagle Lakes Community Park after four hours of searching, around 1:30 p.m.

WINK News spoke to Retired Police Officer and Private Investigator Walter Zalisko, who said whenever you are searching for someone who is on the spectrum, the search must begin immediately.

“The individuals may be frightened by the large output of police vehicles, helicopters, dogs, any ATVs that may be used in a process, and they may just try to retreat a little bit more,” said Zalisko, “That’ll make the search difficult. One of the areas that search parties should concentrate on are any type of attractions that may interest the individual. Bodies of water are very common for individuals with autism to visit. They’re just simply attracted to water running, water streams. They may want to visit or observe fire trucks, police cars, anything with bright lights, high volume traffic.”

The sheriff’s office hasn’t clarified what Francois might have been doing during the hours he was missing. His family told WINK News that they are relieved and thankful their boy is OK and grateful to everyone who joined the search.