By: Richard L. Smith
Newark Public Safety officials are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing teenager who was last seen after leaving home earlier this week.
According to information released by Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr., 17-year-old Akinwande Lawrence of Newark was reported missing after his family discovered he was not in his bedroom at approximately 10:45 p.m. on Monday, March 16.
Investigators say Akinwande had earlier traveled to Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange as a passenger in a friend’s vehicle.
At around 12:45 a.m., he reportedly exited the vehicle and fled without explanation.
Authorities later learned he was last seen at Newark Penn Station, where he stated he intended to travel to Jenny Jump State Forest in Hope, New Jersey.
Detectives describe Akinwande as an African American male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing about 140 pounds.
He was last seen wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.
Officials are urging anyone with information about Akinwande Lawrence’s whereabouts to contact the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.