Detroit-Area Police Seek Public’s Help Locating Missing Autistic Teen
In the suburb of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, police are urgently seeking the whereabouts of 14-year-old Isaac Hailu, who was reported missing early on the morning of Saturday, November 8. According to authorities, Isaac departed his home at approximately 3 a.m., dressed in a dark green hooded sweatshirt and grey or black sweatpants. ()
Isaac is described as having a slender build, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 130 pounds. He has brown hair and is known to be on the autism spectrum — details that heighten concerns among law-enforcement and community members alike. ) Investigators have indicated that Isaac may be riding a men’s mountain bike, which could be blue or black in color. )
Given the early hour of his departure and his special-needs status, police have emphasized the urgency of locating him. Officers are appealing to the public for any information that might lead to his safe recovery. Anyone who has seen someone matching Isaac’s description, or who has relevant information, is asked to call the Detroit-area police at 313-343-2410. (
The disappearance has raised concern across the region, especially given the vulnerability of a young teenager with autism navigating the early-morning hours alone. Local agencies are coordinating efforts, reviewing surveillance video, and canvassing the neighborhood around his home. Meanwhile, friends, family and community members are joining in the search, sharing Isaac’s photograph and description across social media and in public forums, in hopes of bringing him home safely.
As the hours pass, police stress that even seemingly minor details — such as the sighting of a hoodie matching Isaac’s or a mountain bike parked in an unusual place — could prove crucial. They reassure the public that tips submitted anonymously are welcome, and that no lead is too small.
For the parents and loved ones of Isaac, the wait is agonizing. Their concern is heightened by his special-needs status; they are deeply worried about his welfare, especially in unfamiliar environments or low-visibility conditions in the early morning. The broader community of Grosse Pointe Woods and surrounding Detroit-area suburbs has rallied around the family, offering support and spreading awareness of the search.
Law enforcement also reminds residents in nearby neighborhoods to check local cameras, GPS-enabled devices such as bike trackers or apps, and to be alert in case anyone matches Isaac’s description. They encourage everyone, whether they believe the information is “big” or “small,” to step forward. The cooperation of the community is being hailed as vital to ensuring Isaac’s safe return.
As dusk falls and the search continues into the evening hours, the hope remains that Isaac Hailu will be found safe and reunited with his family. Authorities are urging anyone with information to act quickly — the sooner assistance is mobilized, the better the chance of a safe outcome.