Watch CBS News

Teenager Located After Hours-Long Search In Donora

DONORA, Pa. (KDKA) - After hours of searching, police located a teenager with autism who had been reported missing.

Konah Hawkins, 14, had last been seen around 7 p.m. Monday inside the Uni-Mart at 802 Meldon Avenue in Donora, Washington County. He was reportedly trying to buy cigarettes.

Around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, Donora Police informed reporters that Hawkins had been spotted by Pennsylvania State Police, and was being brought to the Donora Police Station.

Konah's parents and grandparents were waiting when he got out of the police car. He had been missing for nearly 12 hours and was wearing only a T-shirt and blue jeans. However, he was okay.

It was a long night for Konah's grandmother, Gina Huggins.

"I'm just really happy and thank God for the protection over him, he will be fine and we're glad that he is back," Hawkins' grandmother, Gina Huggins, said.

He was found on Interstate 70 at Route 43, about 10 miles from the Uni-Mart. If he walked, it would have taken about three hours.

Not only were family members and friends looking for him, but strangers joined the search as well.

"Thank you family members, friends and strangers.  I appreciate what they did, thank you," Konah's grandfather, Robert Huggins, said.

No one is saying why Konah took off.

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.