UPDATE: The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said in a release at 10:16 a.m. that Howerton has been safely located and is unharmed.

Local authorities are turning to the public for helping in searching for and finding a 19-year-old rural Orange County resident who left his home overnight.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office sent out a missing persons alert on Monday at 7:41 a.m., saying they are looking for Bryce Howerton of Rougemont. Howerton is a high-functioning autistic man, who is verbal and will answer to his name. According to family members, Howerton is believed to have left home after dark, which is unusual behavior and has left them concerned for his wellbeing.

The sheriff’s office described Howerton as 5-foot-10, weighing around 145 pounds, and having brown hair and brown eyes. Family members said he was wearing a green and white-striped polo shirt, black basketball shorts and black Crocs on Sunday night.

Anyone who may have information about Howerton’s wellbeing or whereabouts is encouraged to call 911. For those who might directly encounter him, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office asks that you speak to him calmly.

Featured photo via the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

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