Boy reported missing from Chelsea found safe in Cambridge
CAMBRIDGE - An 11-year-old boy who went missing from Chelsea Tuesday afternoon has been found safe. Susant Thapa, who has autism and is non-verbal, was found in Cambridge after a nearly four-hour search.
It was an emotional reunion for Susant's parents after hours of worry and fear.
"I am very happy. Thank you for support, for everybody, police team, and all the State Police," Susant's mother Nanu Thapa said.
Police said Susant is drawn to pools, which added urgency to their search. There was an immediate request from police for the public to check their backyards and pools.
Police used drones and tracking equipment in their search, but it was a man inside a rec center in Cambridge who noticed the boy near the indoor pool and called police.
"He reported it. Come to find out that it was in fact the person we were looking for. And we were able to confirm with mom over the phone with Facetime that it was him," said Chelsea Police Captain David Betz.
State Police believe Susant took a bus to Cambridge, barefoot and without a phone. His parents say they aren't sure how he knew to get over there.
"He's very tough and I don't know how I will take care of him for other days, he keeps growing bigger and bigger," said Surha Thapa, Susant's father.
An anxious and stress filled day, with a son home thanks to the quick and relentless work of those searching for him.
"I would like to thank all of them who is involved and looking for him," Surha Thapa said.
Police are investigating if Susant got on the bus with someone else.