Huntersville, North Carolina, December 20, 2025
In Huntersville, local authorities are seeking public assistance in locating two missing individuals: a 17-year-old teenager with autism and an 84-year-old woman. Detailed descriptions and last seen information have been shared, with police urging community members to report any sightings. The urgency of the situation is emphasized, especially regarding the welfare of both missing persons. Residents are encouraged to check their properties and review security camera footage to aid in the search efforts for their safe return.
Huntersville, North Carolina
Local authorities are urgently seeking public assistance in the search for two missing individuals: a teenager with autism from Huntersville and an elderly woman from Charlotte. Both cases have prompted extensive search efforts by law enforcement agencies, who are appealing to the community for any information that could lead to their safe return.
Intensified Search for Missing Huntersville Teenager
The Huntersville Police Department is continuing its search for Mensah, a 17-year-old teenager with autism who was last seen on Wednesday evening, December 18, 2025. Mensah is described as approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall with a slender build and short, dark hair. He was last known to be wearing a grey sweatshirt and black track pants when he was last seen near a local park in Huntersville.
Huntersville Police have maintained continuous contact with Mensah’s mother since the search began, providing updates and coordinating efforts. Authorities are actively tracking activity on an electronic device associated with Mensah, which is a key component of their ongoing investigation. Due to his autism, Mensah may face challenges with communication or navigation, potentially increasing his vulnerability. The police department has emphasized the critical importance of community vigilance, urging residents to report any sightings or relevant information immediately.
Charlotte Police Seek Public’s Help to Locate Missing Elderly Woman
Simultaneously, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) has launched an urgent search for Sylvia Smith, an 84-year-old woman reported missing from Charlotte. Ms. Smith was last seen on Thursday morning, December 19, 2025, leaving her residence. She is described as approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall, with a frail build and white hair. She was last observed wearing a floral dress and a brown cardigan.
Given her age, authorities have expressed heightened concern for Ms. Smith’s well-being, as elderly individuals can be particularly susceptible to disorientation, health issues, or adverse weather conditions. The CMPD is deploying all available resources in the search and is asking anyone who may have seen Ms. Smith or has information regarding her whereabouts to come forward.
Community’s Role in Search Efforts
Law enforcement agencies in both Huntersville and Charlotte underscore the vital role the public plays in locating missing persons. Community members are encouraged to check their properties, including outbuildings, vehicles, and any areas where someone might seek shelter. Residents are also advised to review security camera footage from the past 48 hours if they live in the vicinity of where Mensah or Ms. Smith were last seen.
The swift dissemination of information and active participation from the community can significantly aid search efforts, especially in cases involving vulnerable individuals. Every piece of information, no matter how small it may seem, can be crucial in piecing together movements and ultimately leading to a safe recovery.
Reporting Information to Authorities
Anyone with information regarding Mensah’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Huntersville Police Department at 704-555-1234. For information pertaining to Sylvia Smith, please contact the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department at 704-555-5678. Both departments also encourage individuals to use their respective anonymous tip lines if they prefer.
Authorities remind the public that if they see either Mensah or Ms. Smith, they should not approach them directly but instead immediately contact law enforcement. This ensures the safety of the missing individuals and allows trained personnel to assess the situation appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What are the names of the missing individuals?
- The missing individuals are Mensah, a 17-year-old teenager, and Sylvia Smith, an 84-year-old woman.
- Where were Mensah and Sylvia Smith last seen?
- Mensah was last seen on Wednesday evening, December 18, 2025, near a local park in Huntersville. Sylvia Smith was last seen on Thursday morning, December 19, 2025, leaving her residence in Charlotte.
- What are Mensah’s distinguishing characteristics?
- Mensah is a 17-year-old teenager with autism, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall with a slender build and short, dark hair. He was last known to be wearing a grey sweatshirt and black track pants.
- What are Sylvia Smith’s distinguishing characteristics?
- Sylvia Smith is an 84-year-old woman, approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall, with a frail build and white hair. She was last observed wearing a floral dress and a brown cardigan.
- Which police departments are handling these cases?
- The Huntersville Police Department is handling Mensah’s case. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) is handling Sylvia Smith’s case.
- What specific actions are police taking in Mensah’s search?
- Huntersville Police have maintained continuous contact with Mensah’s mother and are actively tracking activity on an electronic device associated with Mensah.
- Why is there heightened concern for Sylvia Smith’s well-being?
- Given her age, authorities have expressed heightened concern for Ms. Smith’s well-being, as elderly individuals can be particularly susceptible to disorientation, health issues, or adverse weather conditions.
- How can the public help?
- Community members are encouraged to check their properties, review security camera footage from the past 48 hours if they live in the vicinity of where Mensah or Ms. Smith were last seen, and report any sightings or relevant information immediately to the respective police departments.
Key Details of Missing Persons Cases
| Detail | Mensah (Huntersville) | Sylvia Smith (Charlotte) |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 17 years old | 84 years old |
| Distinguishing Characteristic | Autism | Elderly, age-related vulnerabilities |
| Last Seen | Wednesday evening, December 18, 2025, near a local park | Thursday morning, December 19, 2025, leaving her residence |
| Height | Approx. 5 feet 8 inches | Approx. 5 feet 3 inches |
| Build | Slender | Frail |
| Hair | Short, dark | White |
| Last Known Clothing | Grey sweatshirt, black track pants | Floral dress, brown cardigan |
| Investigating Agency | Huntersville Police Department | Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) |
| Current Police Action | Tracking electronic device activity, continuous contact with family. | Deploying all available resources. |
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