Body of missing autistic maryland boy found in park pond

Body of Missing Autistic Maryland Boy Found in Park Pond

by
July 28, 2024

GAITHERSBURG, MD – The Montgomery County Police have confirmed the recovery of six-year-old Fawzan Hassan’s body at Bohrer Park. The boy, who had been reported missing since approximately 3 PM on Saturday, July 27, 2024, was found in a pond at the park at 5:25 PM on Sunday.

The search operation, led by the Montgomery County Police Managed Search Operations Team, involved extensive efforts from multiple agencies including the Maryland National Capital Park Police – Montgomery County Division, Gaithersburg Police, Maryland State Police, Montgomery County Fire Rescue, Mid-Atlantic DOGS Search and Rescue, along with numerous volunteers and community members.

The body has been positively identified as that of Fawzan Hassan. His family has been notified, and the body will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause of death.

Montgomery County Police extend their gratitude to all who participated in the search and encourage the community to visit the Autism/IDD unit website for resources on wandering safety and other important information.

Earlier Report:

The Montgomery County Department of Police is urgently seeking the public’s help in locating 6-year-old Fawzan Hassan, who disappeared on Saturday, July 27, at around 3 PM from Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg. Fawzan, who is non-verbal and autistic, was last seen wearing a green shirt, blue jeans, and blue and white sneakers.

Intensive search efforts have continued overnight, with teams deploying drones provided by the Maryland National Capital Police – Montgomery County. The local community is being asked to meticulously check their properties, including under porches, decks, in swimming pools, outbuildings, unlocked cars, and at nearby playgrounds. Residents are also encouraged to review any home surveillance footage that could provide clues to Fawzan’s whereabouts.

Authorities emphasize the importance of knowing how to interact with a non-verbal autistic child. If you see Fawzan, do not approach him too quickly or make loud noises, as these can be startling. Instead, call 911 immediately, use calm and gentle speech, and try to attract his attention using visual cues or familiar objects until help arrives.

Anyone with information about Fawzan Hassan’s location is urged to contact 911 immediately to aid in his safe recovery.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

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