"Very concerning": The mother and coalition claim that the OPP hunt for a missing teen with autism is not urgent enough

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are continuing their search for Logan, an 18-year-old autistic teenager who has been missing since October 13, 2024, from his home in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Ontario.

Concerns are growing about the time it took to initiate a thorough search for him, with his mother, Jenny Tozer, expressing fears over the lack of urgency in the police response.

Logan, who is described as high-functioning autistic and also has ADHD, social anxiety disorder, and an intellectual disorder, left home through a window. Tozer reported him missing on October 14, the day after he disappeared.

Although police initially searched their property using drones and personnel, they did not find any leads.

Tozer stated that this isn’t the first time Logan has gone missing, albeit for shorter periods. She noted that when she informed police of his condition, her concerns seemed to be overlooked, possibly due to his age.

"But mentally, he’s 12 to 14," she emphasized, highlighting the challenges Logan may face in navigating the world without assistance.

Kate Dudley-Logue, VP of Community Outreach for the Ontario Autism Coalition, criticized the police's response, stating that Logan's social difficulties would make it hard for him to seek help.

Dudley-Logue advocated for a more urgent approach to missing person cases involving individuals with autism.

In response, OPP stated that they shared a missing person poster on social media shortly after Logan's disappearance, issued a media release, and have been actively following up on tips from the public. They emphasized that they are committed to locating Logan.

As the search extends beyond two weeks, Tozer has been increasingly distressed, struggling with sleep and appetite, worrying about Logan’s well-being and where he might be finding food.

The community is being urged to check their properties, sheds, and backyards for any signs of Logan, as authorities believe he may have moved outside the immediate area.

Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for his photo and report any sightings to investigators.