A 16-year-old Niles Township boy who was reported missing early Tuesday morning was later found walking on U.S. 12, approximately one half mile east of the 31 Bypass in Bertrand Township.

The teen’s mother had reported him missing to police at approximately 4:19 a.m. 

Officers responded to the call in the 1700 block of Bond St. in Niles.

The juvenile’s mother said the male was mute and autistic and left his residence on foot.    

He had last been seen wearing no shoes, blue checkered boxer shorts and a grey T-shirt with miscellaneous fishing equipment on the front of the T-shirt.    

At approximately 6:23 a.m. the missing juvenile was seen by a driver. The driver reported to Niles City Police Department dispatch that a male matching the above description was walking on US-12.   

Deputies arrived in the area at approximately 6:28 a.m. and located the missing juvenile walking along US-12 near 31 Bypass. 

The juvenile was evaluated by SMCAS Ambulance and was not injured or transported to the hospital.

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank everyone that responded to assist in the location of the missing juvenile.