The search for a 16-year-old boy from Indiana, who mysteriously disappeared last week, continues to unfold.

A Silver Alert remains in effect for Robert “RJ” Williams Jr., last seen on December 17 in Indianapolis. According to WRTV reports, investigators uncovered a significant clue the following day: Williams’ gym bag and backpack were discovered abandoned on a dock by the White River.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police have shared images of Williams, though his face is partially obscured in the photos. Over the weekend, an extensive search operation was launched involving the Indianapolis Fire Department and the Department of Natural Resources. Despite using drones, ground teams, sonar, and water searches, the efforts yielded no trace of the missing teenager.

Williams was declared missing when he did not return home from Purdue Polytechnic High School. He was last thought to have visited a McDonald’s restaurant before his disappearance.

A family member expressed their deep concern to WRTV, saying, “I’m praying that he is not found in the water and that he’s still out here somewhere and we just need to find him and bring him home.”

Williams is reportedly autistic and has a mild intellectual disability. It was also said that Williams has the mentality of a 10- or 11-year-old, and that he has a history of psychosis and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.

Williams was described as standing 5 feet, 9 inches tall, weighing 185 pounds, and having black hair with brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray coat, blue sweat pants, and black tennis shoes.

Anyone with information regarding Williams’ whereabouts should call the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department at 317-327-6541 or call 911.

[Feature Photo:  Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department]