SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) – The search for Sebastian Rogers, a missing teenager with autism, continues.
The Sumner County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference Tuesday to reaffirm their diligence in finding Sebastian and to answer questions as the search for the 15-year-old enters its sixth week.
“Our commitment to finding Sebastian Rogers remains,” Sumner County Chief Deputy Eric Craddock said during the press conference.
Sebastian was last seen on Feb. 26 after his parents said he left their home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, in the middle of the night.
“My hope and prayer is that Sebastian is still alive,” Craddock said.
Craddock confirmed that a pair of glasses were found in the last few days, but they are still investigating whether or not it is connected to Sebastian.
At the moment, there is no evidence of foul play or indication of criminal activity in connection to Sebastian’s disappearance, according to authorities. TBI reported that his parents have been cooperating with law enforcement since he went missing.
Craddock also said they have not ruled anything out.
In the weeks following Sebastian’s disappearance, state and local authorities have used helicopters, drones and search-and-rescue dogs, along with massive search parties, to look for him. Waterways and even a landfill in Kentucky were searched for signs of the missing teenager.
The Tennesse Bureau of Investigation said during the press conference that while the searches have been scaled back, they are still doing everything they can to advance the investigation even if it does not appear as “visible.”
“It’s gone back to good old-fashioned police work,” a representative for TBI said. “Interviewing people, going over leads. We’re checking in with other law enforcement agencies to get advice from them on cases like this.”
Authorities ask the public to continue on the lookout for Sebastian. They asked that people in the area, specifically those with large plots of land, recheck their property for anything unusual that could lead to Sebastian’s location. They also asked for people to check areas where the teenager could have hidden.
“We just want to make sure … that there is no stone left unturned,” the TBI representative said. “That we want people to make sure that we are looking everywhere we can.”
The TBI representative also warned of inaccurate information that has been spread on social media. They said that the rumors and speculations that “have been advanced” on social media have caused a distraction to their investigation.
TBI reported anyone with information that could lead to Sebastian’s whereabouts can leave a tip at 1-800-TBI-FIND or through email at [email protected].
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