Update: Autistic man who went missing near UAS found safe Thursday afternoon

Update: Read the most up-to-date story about how Ryan Harvey was found here.

Update: The man reported missing near UAS, Ryan Harvey, has been found.

He was found “cold and wet but he is in good hands,” one of the lead searchers told a group at about 12:35 p.m. Thursday at the university campus. The group, volunteers waiting underneath a canopy as it rained, erupted in cheers.

In a later press release, Juneau Police Department spokesman Lt. David Campbell said that Harvey was found on the John Muir Trail by hikers, who recognized Harvey as the missing man. They then took him to a JPD Community Services Officer stationed at the Auke Lake parking lot by UAS.

Other details were not immediately available

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.

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Juneau Police Department officers, search dogs, staff members and volunteers from the University of Alaska Southeast are continuing their search today for a man with autism who went missing near the UAS area and hasn’t been seen in nearly 24 hours.

Ryan Harvey, 22, left the UAS library alone around 2:10 p.m. Wednesday without his coat on, JPD spokesman Lt. David Campbell said during a phone interview Thursday morning. Harvey also left his cellphone behind at the library. A concerned family member called the police later on Wednesday to report Harvey did not come home.

“He has autism and isn’t very communicative, so we’re treating him as a vulnerable adult,” Campbell said, adding that police are responding in full force because of Harvey’s vulnerability and because a storm is expected tonight.

Police began using the department’s Mobile Command Center Wednesday night as they carried on the search nonstop throughout the night, Campbell said. Canines from the Southeast Alaska Dogs Organized for Ground Search (SEADOGS) are also assisting. Campbell said he did not know exactly how many UAS staff members and other volunteers were assisting.

UAS spokesperson Keni Campbell told the Empire Thursday in a phone interview that Harvey is not a current UAS student, although he has taken classes at the university in the past and he does frequent the campus because it is a place where he feels “comfortable.”

Police described Harvey as a 5’5” tall man with blue eyes and brown hair. He has a slim build and weighs approximately 100 pounds. He was wearing black athletic pants and a white colored running shirt with a logo on the breast. The area he was last seen walking was toward Back Loop Road, but police are expanding their search to the whole campus, Campbell said.

Anyone who sees Harvey or has any information about his whereabouts can contact JPD at 586-0600.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to explain that the missing man Ryan Harvey is not currently a student at the University of Alaska Southeast, but he has previously taken classes there and does frequent the campus, according to UAS spokesperson Keni Campbell.