Man with Autism, Who Left Home Months Ago Without Phone or Jacket, Possibly Seen on Doorbell Camera, Family Says
The 21-year-old man's family said they believe he was recently seen on a doorbell camera about 40 miles away from where he disappeared in late March
Police ended search efforts for Hoang in AprilA man with autism may have been spotted on a doorbell camera months after he vanished from his Washington home, according to his family.
Jonathan Hoang was last seen in Arlington at around 7:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, March 30, the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) previously said in a news release.
Late last month, Hoang's family said in a post shared on the "Help Us Find Jonathan Hoang" Facebook page that they believe the 21-year-old was recently spotted in front door security camera footage.
Alongside screenshots of the video footage captured of who is believed to be Hoang, the family wrote, "This potential sighting was on NE 114th Lane [in] Kirkland," referring to an area over 40 miles away from Arlington.
"Please feel free to share this information in all community groups and pages in the Kirkland and surrounding areas," the man's loved ones continued.
The SCSO said in its prior news release that a relative of Hoang's said they possibly heard him leave the home around 5:30 a.m. on Monday, March 31, but it may have occurred earlier. He was reported missing later that same day.
'Jonathan has autism and he left the house without his cell phone and without a jacket,' authorities said. 'He left with his Wi-Fi-only iPad; it does not have cellular data.'
A search for Hoang eventually began, and it later culminated with about 150 volunteers, ground teams, K-9 units, drones and the agency's helicopter involved. Police said "more than 4,000 man-hours were dedicated to the search, which spanned six days."
The search was eventually suspended, and police said they would "continue to do periodic checks in the area and will follow up on all leads.' They added that Hoang's cell phone contained "nothing of evidentiary value."
The sheriff's office said in its prior statement that Hoang is high functioning and takes public transit with his job coach and "has been working with his adult transitions program to gain skills for a job in Everett.'
Speaking with NBC affiliate KING, Hoang's family said he may have trouble finding his way back home, as he has difficulty with problem-solving and shuts down during stressful situations.
The man's loved ones have since set up their own search efforts, and a GoFundMe has been established for the family to aid them as they continue to try and find Hoang.
Hoang's family did not respond to PEOPLE's request for an update.
The SCSO asked anyone who has seen Hoang or has information tied to his whereabouts to immediately call 911.
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