Springhill, Fla. – A Spectrum Alert has been issued for 14‑year‑old Lucas Maresca after he disappeared from a neighborhood on Blythville Road around 11:30 p.m. Sunday. The missing‑child notice, released by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, asks anyone who sees the teen to call 911 or the sheriff’s office at 352‑754‑6830.
What officials know
Lucas is described as a white male, 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing about 126 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. At the time of his disappearance he was wearing a white polo shirt, gray shorts with a black stripe, and SpongeBob‑themed slippers.
According to deputies, Lucas pried open the lock on his bedroom window and left the house on foot. He has non‑verbal autism and tends to run if approached, which makes a quick, calm response from the community especially important.
Search efforts
The sheriff’s office began the investigation after Lucas’s family reported him missing at 1:45 a.m. Monday. Deputies have deployed bloodhounds from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office K‑9 unit, and an aerial search is underway despite inclement weather that is hampering flight operations.
Authorities have not confirmed the direction Lucas may have traveled after leaving Blythville Road, and they are asking residents to check porches, sheds, and any other places where a wandering teen might seek shelter.
How the public can help
Anyone who sees Lucas or has information about his whereabouts should immediately call 911 or contact the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office directly at 352‑754‑6830. The department stresses that timely tips could be critical to bringing the teen home safely.
The community’s cooperation is vital in cases involving children with autism, who may become disoriented quickly. Neighbors are encouraged to keep an eye out, especially in the early morning hours when visibility is low.
About the Spectrum Alert
The Spectrum Alert system is a statewide tool used to quickly disseminate information about missing children who have autism or other developmental disabilities. It is designed to mobilize law‑enforcement resources and the public to increase the chances of a safe recovery.
Deputies will continue to update the public as new information becomes available. Residents are urged to stay alert and report any sightings, no matter how brief.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
