Jefferson Co. teen with autism found in Texas 8 days after disappearing

kerry-brooks-12-30
kerry-brooks-12-30

A Jefferson County teen with autism has been found safe more than 1,000 miles from his home, eight days after he went missing.

Kerry Brooks, 14, of Shively, was found safe on the evening of December 27 in Austin, Texas, after a police officer recognized him.

The family posted the following on the “Bring Home Kerry Brooks” Facebook page:

“Everyone, I am so happy to announce to you all that Kerry was found safe tonight by an officer in Texas. We don’t know much at this time. This has shown us the power of social media. When a community comes together, change occurs. It has also shown us the power of prayer. The Lord fights for us.”

Kerry, who also has ADHD, was possibly taken “by an unknown man,” his aunt Brittany Blevins said in a social media post.

Shively Police Department Sgt. Patrick Allen, who is not disclosing details of the investigation, told WHAS criminal charges will “likely” be sought in the case.

“We know that there is a lot of interest in this case and what may have occurred with Kerry while he was missing,” Allen said in a news release.

Brooks had last been seen on December 19 after saying he was walking to a nearby nursing home to visit with residents, something the teen often does.

By Ken Howlett, News Director

Contact Ken at ken@k105.com