6-year-old boy reported missing in Newark found safe sleeping in car

NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A 6-year-old child with autism reported missing Newark has been found safe.

Police say sometime between 2 and 5 a.m. Monday, the child left his family's apartment on Elizabeth Avenue in Newark.

They city immediately deployed officers and search teams to canvass the neighborhood and the nearby park.

Authorities announced around 1 p.m. that he was found sleeping inside a parked vehicle in the area of Hansbury and Elizabeth avenues.

It's possible he climbed in to seek shelter from the rain.

Police shattered the windows to get to him and took him to a hospital for observation.

It was a relief to neighbors and community leaders that he was found safe.

"We're grateful and thankful for the way they've come out and rallied to help get to this piece of closure that we have, so I want to thank everyone for coming out," Councilmember Patrick Council said. "We want to continue to pray for this family."

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