The community of Tavares, Florida, is breathing a collective sigh of relief after the safe recovery of 5-year-old Jace Saunders, a semi-verbal autistic boy who had gone missing earlier in the day. The intensive search operation that ensued drew in local authorities, volunteers, and concerned citizens, all united in the effort to find Jace.
Authorities located Jace in the presence of his grandmother, Kelly Dasilva, who had been named a person of interest. Dasilva has been cooperating with the investigation, and the circumstances surrounding Jace’s disappearance are still being examined. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) was already investigating Jace’s family situation prior to his disappearance, and this investigation is ongoing.
As news of Jace’s safe return spread, the Tavares community celebrated, with many expressing their joy and relief on social media using hashtags like #JaceSaundersFound and #TavaresStrong. Jace’s family released a statement expressing their gratitude to the community and authorities for their support and efforts, saying, “We are overjoyed to have Jace back home safe and sound. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from our community, and we appreciate the tireless efforts of the authorities who worked to bring Jace home.”
The search effort was extensive, involving multiple agencies and organizations. The Tavares Police Department set up a command center near Summerall Park, the last place Jace was seen, coordinating the search with local volunteers and authorities. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provided resources and expertise to assist in locating Jace. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) also supported the search, offering resources and assistance to Jace’s family and the authorities.
As the investigation into Jace’s disappearance continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Tavares Police Department has established a tip line, and the FDLE is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in Jace’s disappearance. The community is being asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
The safe recovery of Jace underscores the importance of community involvement and vigilance in missing child cases. The search effort highlighted the critical role that local residents play in supporting such initiatives and ensuring the safety of children in their communities.
Authorities continue to emphasize the need for vigilance and community support. The NCMEC and FDLE offer resources and safety tips for parents and caregivers to help prevent such incidents. As the Tavares community celebrates Jace’s return, it is also a time to recognize the importance of supporting families affected by missing child cases and promoting awareness and education to prevent future incidents. The collective efforts of the community, law enforcement, and various organizations have made a significant impact, bringing Jace home safely and highlighting the strength of communal support in times of crisis.
For more details on the ongoing investigation and resources available for missing child cases, please refer to the main article.
