Nathan John Baughman, the 16-year-old boy from Dryden Township, is still missing, with the Michigan State Police issuing an Endangered Missing Person advisory for the teen with autism who ran away from home in the early morning hours of Monday, April 3.
Nathan, last seen Sunday in an olive green hoodie, dark pants and black Under Armor running shoes, left a note to his dad and stepmother saying that he was running away, that he would be fine, and not to look for him. He left their home on Joy Road, near Dryden Road on his bike, a black Scwhinn bicycle with green decals, with it being unknown which direction he went. Police note that his mother lives in Pontiac, Michigan, with grandparents living in Waterford, as possible destinations, but the family believes he may be trying to ride his bicycle across the country.
According to a press release, the teen is highly intelligent, but may publicly shy away from people if approached. The family is asking for the public to keep a look out for Nathan, who is 5’5”, weighs approximately 130 lbs and has braces, blue eyes, light facial hair and sandy blonde/brown hair.
Nathan’s stepmother, Jenny Baughman, says that he was not prepared to run away, leaving behind his coat and clothes, and only taking a small portion of his own money with him. “He needs his counselors, his doctors, and his family,” she said in a public Facebook post. “He needs medical attention and intervention as soon as possible.” A friend of the family, as well as Nathan’s aunt, have started GoFundMe fundraisers to come up with a reward for finding the teen.
If anyone has information or sees Nathan, please immediately contact the Dryden Township Police Department at 810-796-2271 or Lapeer County Central Dispatch at 810-667-0292.
