Search Underway for Missing Autistic Boy in New York

Authorities in upstate New York are urgently searching for a nonverbal autistic boy, the nephew of a mayor from Michigan, who went missing during a party on Sunday afternoon.

Halbe Nagy, aged 7, was last seen around 4:10 PM at a graduation ceremony in Menands, a village located just north of Albany. It is believed he wandered off afterward, according to local reports.

Nagy, who primarily speaks Arabic and is known to be nonverbal, does not live in the area, and as of Monday night, police stated that he was still missing.

The boy is the nephew of Hamtramck, Michigan’s Mayor Adam Alharbi, who traveled to New York with family and has asked for public support in the search.

Described as 3 feet 7 inches tall and weighing approximately 48 pounds, Nagy is said to have a tendency to wander and has a deep interest in water, as noted by authorities.

He enjoys activities like mountain climbing and music, especially “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”

In an effort to attract attention, authorities have positioned ice cream trucks in the vicinity of his last known location, with hopes that the familiar sounds will encourage people to come outside.

Mayor Alharbi has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to Nagy’s safe return.

“The child was trying to escape from the house,” Alharbi shared while at Baltimore airport, preparing to join the search efforts. “He has autism and has attempted to run away in the past, but his mother usually brings him back.”

According to the mayor, Nagy was at the party with his mother when he vanished.

“As soon as I found out, I booked a flight. I haven’t slept yet,” he mentioned, expressing urgency in getting to Albany.

Nagy’s family moved to Albany from New York City a few years before. While his relatives are originally from Yemen, Alharbi confirmed that Nagy was born in the United States.

Local residents, including individuals from neighboring towns, have also joined the frantic search for the boy. “We checked garages, looked around the house, and searched the backyard before heading out,” recounted neighbor Heidi Iyoku.

At the time he went missing, Nagy was wearing a light-colored shirt, dark pants, and was barefoot. His brown hair and brown eyes make him recognizable.

Police have reassured the community that there’s no indication of foul play in the child’s disappearance but are exploring all leads, receiving assistance from various law enforcement agencies.

If anyone sees Nagy, they are urged to call 911 and to approach quietly, as he may become overwhelmed.