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Autistic 13-year-old drives to airport and flies to California
In case you missed this story in today's Sun Sentinel, check this out.
It's a story about a teenager who ran away from Boca Raton and ended up in California.
I like how the dad's reaction was to be impressed that his kid actually drove the car to the airport.
I mean, he was upset, also. But as the mom of a 13-year-old, I have to agree. My first reaction might be pride that he was able to drive to the airport and get on a plane by himself.
The story's on the jump page.
Boy, 13, found in California after missing from suburban Boca Raton
Jerome Burdi
South Florida Sun Sentinel
10:24 AM EDT, April 29, 2009
WEST BOCA
A missing Boca Raton-area 13-year-old boy with health problems has been found safe with relatives in the San Jose, Calif., area, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said.
Kenton Weaver's father reported him missing Tuesday after he drove off that morning in his SUV.
The teen drove to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and boarded a plane to California, where his mother lives.
"He has never driven before, as far as I know," said Kenton's father, Dean Weaver. "I am impressed that he was able to drive to the Fort Lauderdale airport and do all those things."
Weaver is also upset his son stole and lied to him.
At about 2 a.m. today, San Jose police notified the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office that the boy was in their area.
Mom Kimberly Casey said she has no idea how Kenton managed to get on an airline flight, and that she's looking forward to seeing her oldest son. Kenton has an 8-year-old brother who was jealous Kenton got to see their mom, Weaver said. His teenage son is fascinated with flying.
"He always wants to fly somewhere, he wants to be a pilot," Weaver said.
With a spare set of keys, Weaver retrieved his SUV today at the airport. The doors were locked, he said.
It is not clear whether Kenton will continue to stay with his California family, or be returned to his current home west of Boca Raton.
The search for Kenton, of 17200 block of Boca Club Boulevard, and his father's 2006 blue Ford Explorer lasted well into Tuesday night.
Weaver has a heart condition and Asperger's syndrome, a developmental disorder that affects the ability to communicate and socialize, according to MayoClinic.com.
Weaver had not taken his medication in more than 24 hours and was considered a "missing disabled and endangered teenager."
Jerome Burdi can be reached at jburdi@SunSentinel.com or 561-243-6531.
Copyright © 2009, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
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