Authorities in Clayton County, Georgia, are urgently searching for 6-year-old John Ross III, who has been reported missing and is the subject of an active search.

Police are asking residents, motorists, and anyone in the surrounding area to remain vigilant and report any information that could help officers locate the child.

John is nonverbal and has a developmental disability, making the search particularly urgent. Because he may be unable to communicate verbally with people who encounter him, authorities are encouraging members of the public to pay close attention to his description and immediately contact police if they believe they have seen him.

Police Receive Missing Child Report

According to the Clayton County Police Department, officers responded to the 6000 block of Riverdale Road at approximately 7:43 p.m. following a report concerning a missing child.

Once notified, authorities began efforts to determine John’s whereabouts and search the surrounding area.

The circumstances that led to John becoming missing have not been fully detailed in the available information. Police are continuing to gather information while working to locate him.

Description of John Ross III

Authorities have released several details that may help members of the public recognize John.

The missing child is:

• Name: John Ross III
• Age: 6 years old
• Height: Approximately 4 feet, 2 inches
• Weight: Approximately 50 pounds
• Communication: Nonverbal
• Reported clothing: Blue shorts
• Shoes: None
• Shirt: None

Police are asking anyone who encounters a child matching this description to take the report seriously and contact authorities immediately.

Why the Search Is Urgent

John’s age and inability to communicate verbally have increased concerns for his safety.

A six-year-old child may have difficulty explaining where he lives, identifying a familiar adult, or communicating what has happened if approached by someone he does not know.

For that reason, members of the public should not assume that a child matching John’s description will be able to answer questions or provide identifying information.

Anyone who believes they have located him should contact law enforcement promptly so trained officers can respond.

Clayton County Residents Asked to Stay Alert

Residents near Riverdale Road and surrounding areas are being encouraged to carefully observe their surroundings.

People should remain attentive around streets, sidewalks, residential areas, parks, businesses, and other places where a young child could potentially be found.

Because missing-child searches can change quickly, authorities are relying on information from the public to help identify possible sightings and determine where search efforts should be concentrated.

Even information that may seem minor could potentially assist investigators in establishing John’s whereabouts.

What to Do If You See John

Anyone who believes they have seen John Ross III or has information that could help authorities locate him should contact law enforcement immediately.

Members of the public are encouraged to avoid delaying a report while attempting to investigate the situation themselves.

Providing authorities with the location, time, and direction in which the child was seen can help officers respond quickly.

If possible, members of the public should also provide a clear description of what they observed and any other relevant details.

Search Efforts Continue

The Clayton County Police Department is continuing its efforts to locate John and determine what happened after he was reported missing.

The immediate priority remains finding the child and returning him safely to his family.

Authorities are asking residents to remain attentive and to share verified information that could help increase awareness of the search.

As the investigation develops, police may release additional information about John’s whereabouts or the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Community Urged to Help Bring John Home

The disappearance of a six-year-old child is a serious and urgent situation, particularly when the child is nonverbal and may be unable to communicate with people who encounter him.

John Ross III’s family and authorities are now relying on the community to remain alert and respond quickly to any possible sighting.

Anyone with information about John’s whereabouts is urged to contact authorities without delay.

The search remains active as police work to locate the missing child and ensure his safe return home.