Autistic Teen Missing Since Friday After Being Allowed To Walk Away From Group Home Has Been Found Safe

Portland, Ore. – Update – Elkan has been found safe at a homeless camp near NE 119th and Halsey, according to family.

A Portland Mother is worried sick after her teen son with disabilities was allowed to walk away from his group home. He’s been missing now for four days. 15-year-old Elkan Bowen walked away from his group home in the Kerns neighborhood near the intersection of NE Glisan and Sandy on Friday. Portland police are classifying his case as a runaway, but he could be in danger. Police are searching for him and say anytime there’s a missing person with disabilities, it elevates the situation, the investigation, and their concern.

His Mom says the day before he disappeared, he was upset over changes to teachers at the group home where he’s stayed since July. Mom’s upset because the center allows residents to leave on their own, and does not let them have phones, so the teen had no way to call home. Elkan lacks social boundaries, he’s too trusting of strangers and his family is worried about his safety, because he’s never disappeared like this before.

Elkan is 15-years-old, White, 6 feet tall, 140 pounds. The photo is of Elkan and his Mom.