In a perplexing turn of events, the search for 14-year-old Damien Thompson, who initially went missing from his Hazlet home on December 16, has taken unexpected twists. Thompson, who was found safe in Jacksonville, Florida, is now missing again after reportedly eloping from a Youth Crisis Facility.
The Hazlet Township Police Department initially announced Damien’s disappearance, seeking public assistance on December 18. Damien had left his residence on Liberty Place in Hazlet around 7:30 p.m. and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with white skeletons and dark-colored cargo pants.
His last known contact was a call to his mother on December 17 at approximately 1:45 a.m., stating he was in New York, having likely used a train to get there.
A Facebook post from Hazlet police updated on December 20 initially declared Damien found safe and in good health, without disclosing specific details about his location.
However, a later statement revealed that he had been located by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and transferred to a Youth Crisis Facility in Jacksonville, awaiting arrangements for his return to New Jersey.
The situation took a drastic turn when it was reported that Damien had eloped from the Youth Crisis Facility in Jacksonville and was once again missing. Despite being found alive and well, the circumstances surrounding his second disappearance remain unclear.
The Hazlet Police Department is actively seeking information on Damien’s current location. He was last seen wearing a distinctive black-hooded sweatshirt with white skeletons and dark cargo pants. It is noted that he may also be wearing a black ski mask.
Anyone with information regarding Damien Thompson’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Hazlet Township Police Department at 732-264-6565 or the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department at 904-630-0500.
The case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring the safety of missing individuals, emphasizing the need for continued public vigilance and cooperation in such situations. The circumstances leading to Damien’s initial disappearance and subsequent events in Florida remain under investigation.