A Sudden Disappearance Sparks Urgent Alert (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Indianapolis – Authorities and family members press on with efforts to locate 16-year-old Robert “RJ” Williams Jr., an autistic teen who vanished in the Broad Ripple area last week.
A Sudden Disappearance Sparks Urgent Alert
The case began on December 17, 2025, when Williams was last spotted in the 1100 block of Broad Ripple Avenue during the afternoon. Friends and relatives grew concerned quickly after he failed to return home, prompting police to issue a Silver Alert that evening. This alert highlighted his vulnerability due to autism and the possibility that he required immediate medical attention. Investigators noted that Williams, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 185 pounds, has black hair and brown eyes. The Broad Ripple neighborhood, known for its vibrant streets, suddenly became the focal point of a tense search operation.
Early leads pointed to no signs of foul play, but the teen’s condition added layers of urgency to the response. Police canvassed the area thoroughly, speaking with witnesses who recalled seeing him that day. As hours turned into days, the absence of any trace heightened fears among those involved.
Backpack Discovery Fuels Riverbank Searches
Just one day after his disappearance, detectives and K-9 units uncovered Williams’ gym bag and backpack on a dock adjacent to the White River. This find, reported by local outlets like WRTV, shifted the investigation toward the waterway and surrounding banks. The items appeared abandoned, with no immediate clues about what happened next. Search teams immediately expanded their efforts, combing the river’s edge for additional evidence. The White River, which winds through the city, presented challenges with its currents and winter conditions…