East Brunswick, New Jersey — A 17-year-old boy who was reported missing was found alive inside a crawl space in his mother’s basement, days after police launched an extensive search for him and investigators allegedly uncovered discrepancies in his mother’s account.
The East Brunswick Police Department said officers were contacted by the teenager’s father at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, after the boy failed to arrive at his father’s home as expected.
According to police, the teen was supposed to be dropped off at his father’s residence around 6 p.m., but he never showed up.
Mother Told Police Her Son Was Not Home
Officers subsequently spoke with the teenager’s mother, identified by police as Jennifer Buckley. Buckley reportedly told authorities that her son was not at her home and that she had been unable to locate him.
She also told police that the teenager was “upset” and expressed concerns that he “may be a danger to himself.” Because of those concerns, authorities treated the situation seriously and began an extensive effort to find the teenager.
The East Brunswick Police Department said:
“Whenever a juvenile is reported missing, particularly when there are concerns for that child’s safety, our officers take the report seriously and commit the resources necessary to locate them,”
The department said patrol officers and other personnel devoted significant resources to the search while detectives continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.
Teen Entered Into Missing-Person Database
As investigators worked to locate the teenager, he was entered into the National Crime Information Center database as a missing person. The search continued while detectives followed up on information provided during the initial investigation.
According to the East Brunswick Police Department, investigators eventually discovered “several discrepancies” in Buckley’s initial account.
Those discrepancies prompted detectives to revisit the mother’s home and conduct another search of the property. That search ultimately led investigators to the teenager.
Detectives Find Teen Hidden in Crawl Space
Police said detectives discovered the 17-year-old hiding inside a crawl space in the basement.
Investigators determined that the teenager had been at his mother’s home throughout the period when he was being reported as missing.
Authorities also determined that Buckley had knowingly helped conceal the teenager, according to the police department.
The discovery brought the missing-person search to an end and allowed officers to confirm the teenager’s safety.
The circumstances surrounding why the teenager was hiding in the crawl space have not been fully detailed in the police department’s public account.
Mother Faces Criminal Charge
Following the investigation, Buckley was arrested and charged with obstructing the administration of law, according to the East Brunswick Police Department and public New Jersey Municipal Court records.
Police Chief Frank LoSacco praised the officers and detectives involved in the investigation, particularly given the concerns initially raised about the teenager’s safety.
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“I commend the patrol officers, detectives and other personnel who worked diligently to locate this juvenile and ensure his safety. Providing false or misleading information to law enforcement undermines those efforts and unnecessarily diverts officers and resources away from members of our community who may need immediate police assistance,” LoSacco said.
The department emphasized that significant personnel and investigative resources were devoted to locating the teenager after he was reported missing.
Court Date Set for October
Buckley’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 6, according to public court records. It was not immediately clear whether she has an attorney representing her in the case.
The case remains an active legal matter, and the allegations against Buckley are charges rather than a finding of guilt.
The teenager’s discovery inside the basement crawl space brought a dramatic conclusion to a missing-person investigation that initially raised concerns about his safety.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed additional details about the teenager’s condition or what led to him remaining inside the home during the search.
What do you think about this unusual missing-person case in New Jersey? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know what part of the investigation surprised you most.