Frantic search underway for 16-year-old autistic boy who went missing 10 days ago after he walked out of his rural Wyoming home in just a sweatshirt and pajama pants in freezing temperatures

  • Wyoming boy Joey Peterson, 16, has been missing since November 10
  • Joey, who is Autistic, walked out of his rural Casper home in the late morning
  • He was last seen in a red hoodie, pajama pants, and possibly no shoes
  • Police say he is 'not self-sufficient and does not problem solve at an age-appropriate level'
  • After Joey vanished, temperatures were below freezing and it snowed in Casper
  • A massive ground, K-9 and air search has been launched for Joey
  • On Saturday searchers found days-old tracks believed to be his heading towards steep, mountain terrain 

A frantic search is underway for an autistic teenager who disappeared 10 days ago after wandering out of his parents' rural home in Wyoming wearing just a sweatshirt and pajama pants. 

Joey Peterson, 16, left his Casper home, in the area of Goose Creek Circle and Hat Six Road, in the late morning just before noon on November 10. 

Natrona County sheriff deputies were notified of his disappearance at 12.12pm on Sunday and arrived on the scene at 12.31pm.  

'Joseph is autistic who functions at a higher level, but is not self-sufficient and does not problem solve at an age-appropriate level,' Natrona County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Ellis said. 

A desperate search is underway for 16-year-old Autistic boy Joey Peterson who walked out of his rural house in Casper, Wyoming November 10 and hasn't been seen since

A desperate search is underway for 16-year-old Autistic boy Joey Peterson who walked out of his rural house in Casper, Wyoming November 10 and hasn't been seen since

This map shows where Joey was last seen at her residence in Casper, Wyoming

This map shows where Joey was last seen at her residence in Casper, Wyoming

Joey pictured second right on his mother Charlene Peter's Facebook page

Joey pictured second right on his mother Charlene Peter's Facebook page

Joey pictured far left with his siblings in this social media photo

Joey pictured far left with his siblings in this social media photo 

'Joseph was not dressed for the weather and it's believed Joseph was last seen wearing a red-hooded sweatshirt and pajama pants,' Ellis said.  

Police are now searching through the remote wilderness with ground search teams, multiple K-9 teams, and by air using drones to find the teenager. Heat vision equipment and Black Hawk helicopters have been also used in the search in the rural, rugged terrain.  

The drones have recorded hours of video and it will be reviewed using software that will search through the over 8,000 images for colors and other human factors.

As of Monday, rescue teams had scoured through 240 square miles and more than 150 volunteers aided in the search effort. 

On Saturday a team found his days-old footprints believed to be Joey's miles away from his home and heading into very steep, mountainous terrain. 

The Natrona County Sheriff's Office shared this search update on Tuesday saying that a massive search is underway with searchers on the ground and air. On Saturday a search team found tracks believed to be Joey's but they were days old and found multiple miles away from the Peterson residence in steep mountainous terrain

The Natrona County Sheriff's Office shared this search update on Tuesday saying that a massive search is underway with searchers on the ground and air. On Saturday a search team found tracks believed to be Joey's but they were days old and found multiple miles away from the Peterson residence in steep mountainous terrain

Fears are running high for Peterson who left home in unsuitable clothing for the wintry conditions. On the night and morning following Peterson's disappearance, temperatures were below freezing and snow fell for hours. By Tuesday temperatures climbed to the 40s.   

Authorities added he may not be wearing shoes. He also has no cell phone or communication devices with him. 

Police do not suspect any foul play in Joey's disappearance.  

The 16-year-old is about 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs 120 pounds. He has blond hair and was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and pajama pants. 

On Tuesday the Casper era community gathered at Highland Park Community Church for a prayer vigil. 

Authorities ask anyone with information on Joey's whereabouts to call (307) 235-9300. 

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