Photo courtesy of the Dearborn Police Department
Charles Foster, 16, was reunited with his family after being recognized Sept. 11 while walking near Campbell and 12 Mile roads in Royal Oak. Foster ran away from his parent’s house in the 4600 block of Schlaff on Sept 7. He suffers from autism, bi-polar disorder and mood swings but loves to talk and police were able to pick him up and return him to his family.
By BOB OLIVER
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN — The teenage boy who ran away from home Sept. 7 was safely reunited with his family Sept. 11.
Charles Foster, 16, was seen walking in the area of Campbell and 12 Mile roads in Royal Oak when a resident recognized him and notified authorities.
Foster, who suffers from autism, bi-polar disorder and mood swings, was last seen by his parents exiting the front door of their house in the 4600 block of Schlaff about 10:45 p.m. Sept. 7.
According to the police report, the family was awakened by a noise inside their house and when investigating found their son walking out the door. They were unable to stop him as he ran north from the home.
The family also stated that Foster has run away in the past, but they took measures to stop him from being able to do it again, including placing alarm sensors on door and windows throughout the house.
At a press conference at Dearborn police headquarters Sept. 10, Jennifer Foster, the missing juvenile’s mother, said her son “loves to talk” and is not dangerous, but doesn’t like to be touched by unfamiliar people.
The police added that they did not believe Foster to be a threat to himself or others.
Also on Sept. 10, a tipster informed police that he had seen a boy with a similar description near Jax Car Wash, 34745 Woodward Ave. in Birmingham, on at 9:30 a.m.
Plainclothes officers immediately responded to the area but were unable to locate Foster.
In a police press release after being reunited with her son, Jennifer Foster thanked the community for their “concern and vigilance” in helping bring the
family back together safely and quickly.
(Bob Oliver can be reached at [email protected])