Authorities search Gaithersburg ponds for missing autistic child

6-year-old boy last seen Saturday afternoon at Bohrer Park

July 28, 2024 1:06 a.m. | Updated: February 12, 2025 5:31 p.m.

Editor’s note: According to an update to a county police press release regarding the search for Fawzan Hassan, the family of the boy has disputed the department’s characterization of him in the release as “autistic or non-verbal.”

Montgomery County police and fire and rescue service crews were searching the ponds at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg on Saturday evening for a missing 6-year-old boy.

Fawzan Hassan, who is autistic and non-verbal, was last seen at the park at 506 S. Frederick Ave. at about 3 p.m., according to police.

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Detectives from the department’s Special Victims Investigations Division asked for the public’s help in finding the boy, described as 3 feet tall and weighing 43 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a green shirt, blue jeans and white and silver sneakers, according to the release.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) crews were assisting police with a search of the ponds at the park, spokesperson Pete Piringer wrote on social media about shortly after 8 p.m.

Police ask anyone with information about the boy to call 301-279-8000.

This story will be updated when more information becomes available.  

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