Don’t believe everything you read.
After unverified reports were circulating on social media about a missing mentally disabled boy in Searcy, Arkansas, the Searcy Police Department has confirmed the story is fake. Be careful to check sources about local stories.
Searcy Police Officer’s Son Not Missing And Not In Danger
It all started when someone on Facebook named Justin D Hood claimed made a post in a local yard sale group about a missing child:
“Authorities are searching for a missing 16 year old (Paul Ferrara), the son of a local police officer.”
The post claimed the child needed daily medication and was in danger:
“He is diagnosed with autism and needs daily medication.”
However, the Searcy Police Department has confirmed this is just a scam and that it’s not real whatsoever:
“It’s a common scam.”
Sadly, many people shared the unconfirmed story and it got a lot of attention online.
If you or someone you know is sharing reports of missing children or news, be sure to verify its authenticity first. It could save the public and the police department a lot of headache.
You can view the Police Department’s statement here.