After six days of being missing, authorities in Henrico County, Virginia have announced that 17-year-old Mitchell Harrison Leahey has been located safe and sound in Florida.
According to his parents, they picked him up from work and together they attended a family therapy session. However, the session brought up some difficult emotions for him and he became upset, eventually deciding to leave. The couple stated that they tried to follow him, but he managed to escape by hopping over a fence.
Leahey, who reportedly served as a counselor at Oak Hill Christian Service Camp, was found without any personal belongings. According to his parents, he had nothing on him – no phone, wallet, debit card, cash, or even a jacket.
According to Leahey’s parents, he was simply a frightened child who was having a rough day and not a threat to anyone. However, in the CODI alert, the Virginia State Police (VSP) mentioned that he may have been carrying a pocket knife. Furthermore, the investigating agency concluded that his disappearance could potentially jeopardize his well-being and safety.
Leahey’s disappearance prompted an extensive local search and a social media campaign to raise awareness and find him. In a bid to locate their son, his parents offered a substantial $100,000 reward.
Henrico Police made the announcement on the evening of December 26 that Leahey has been located in Collier County, FL and is currently being reunited with his family.
Leahey’s discovery and the circumstances surrounding it have not been made public by authorities.